There is currently a prescription drug epidemic in the USA with astonishing numbers of people becoming addicted to prescription drugs. This can very easily happen to someone, and more and more people are finding that they know someone who is battling addiction, which can be awful to watch. If you know somebody that is abusing prescription drugs, then it can be hard to know what to do because it is an incredibly sensitive issue yet one which is crucial to tackle. So, what can you do about this? There are a few key steps to take, and each should put you on the right path to help the one you love to overcome their problem.
• Understand Addiction
First, you need to understand addiction because it is highly complex. You should also be able to recognize the signs of drug abuse, and these can vary depending on the type of drug being used. Before you take any action, you should spend time researching addiction and the particular drug so that you have a better idea of what they are going through.
• Offer Support
Many people who are suffering from an addiction to drugs do not reach out as they fear that they will be shamed or judged. It is for this reason why it is vital that you reach out and offer your support to them and express your concerns. They may react negatively, but it is essential that you say something before they hit rock bottom (which can make it much harder to recover). You should speak to them in private when they are sober and make sure that they understand that you are coming from a place of love.
• Encourage Them To Get Help
It is likely that there will be denial or reasons why they can’t seek treatment, but you need to be persistent without shaming them (it is a good idea to practice what you want to say beforehand and plan for every reaction). It is a good idea to have already researched an outpatient drug rehab treatment center which you can look at together.
Support Them During Their Recovery
There is a lot of focus placed on how you can help someone to seek recovery for addiction to prescription drugs, but this is only the start of their journey. You must also be there for them throughout their recovery, as there are sure to be a few challenging days where they need to be able to rely on their support system. Stay involved as much as possible to show that you are there for them and help them to take steps which will allow them to rebuild their life without drugs after they have finished their treatment.
The prescription drug epidemic in the USA is worrying, and most people now know someone who is or was battling addiction. It is difficult to know what to do in this situation as it is incredibly sensitive but also important that action is taken. These are the main steps to take, which should put the person on the right path to recovery and a life without drugs.
