Starting a conversation about drug addiction with someone is never easy, but it’s important to do it from a place of empathy and understanding. Remember that no one sets out to become an addict. Using medicines to cope with stressful events or mental health issues is generally ineffective. Criticizing, insulting, or humiliating them won’t help your loved one; in fact, it can make them turn to substance abuse for more comfort since stress tends to exacerbate addictive behavior.

Keep yourself calm

Finding out that someone you care about has a drug addiction can be shocking, frightening, and heartbreaking, especially if that person is your kid or an adolescent. These intense feelings can make conversing with a drug user about what are the signs of alcohol withdrawal much more difficult. Hence, it’s important to choose a moment when you are both calm, sober, and uninvolved in anything else so that you can talk. Provide support and aid without making judgments.

Do not wait

Before speaking up, you don’t need to wait for your loved one to be in significant problems with the law, lose their job, go through a serious sickness, or suffer from public humiliation.

Honestly express your worries

Make it apparent that you care about the person and are worried about their well-being. Be honest about your own concerns and provide particular instances of your loved one’s drug-related conduct that have alarmed you.

Listen

Even if you disagree with someone, give them the benefit of the doubt while listening to what they have to say. The more they feel heard by you, the more supportive and trustworthy your loved one will find you to be.

Be ready for rejection

When asked about their drug use, your loved one may react aggressive or defensive. When faced with their behavior, many people experience shame and will make an effort to downplay or conceal their issues. Don’t dispute with them and prepare to simply bring up the subject again later.