How To Support Someone with Drug Addiction

According to Health Direct, alcohol or drug misuse occurs when it becomes a problem for an individual, such as regular, unsafe use, intoxication, and dependence. More than 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 3 young adults in Australia drink alcohol at risky levels, and 2 in 5 have used an illegal drug at some point.

And unlike prescription medicines, there isn’t a government organisation to regulate the quality (or amount) of active ingredients in illegal recreational drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or cannabis.

Addiction puts a lot of stress on family members and friends, but when someone requires support, how do you go about it? This article will be your guide on how to support someone with a drug addiction and the best path forward to recovery.

Educate Yourself on Addiction

Addiction is complex and isn’t as simple as “the person is taking drugs and won’t stop”. It is important to understand why someone is using. Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, but some people may be more vulnerable than others to using them as an escape. For example:

• Having a history of trauma or neglect
• A family history of addiction
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression

What are some signs of addiction?

• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour (angry and then suddenly sad or impulsive, which can be withdrawal symptoms)
• Withdrawing from family gatherings or commitments
• Caring less about personal appearance
• Losing interest in hobbies or work
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Experiencing financial issues
• Struggling with sleep
• The person feels confronted when others show concern

Understanding what substance abuse is, the signs and symptoms, and the science behind it will help you support someone through recovery. You’ll be equipped to recognise warning signs and provide the right support.

Start a Conversation

Starting a conversation isn’t easy, but it is important to come from a place of understanding. No one plans to become addicted to drugs and abusing them is often a cry for help and to cope with past pains or mental health issues.

Stress can fuel addictive behaviour, so criticising, demeaning, or shaming them will only push them away and may even encourage them to seek further comfort in substances. Although discovering that someone you care about has an addiction is scary and stressful, think about things from their point of view.

Choose a time when you’re both calm and ready to talk. Offer your help without being judgmental.

• Don’t delay. You don’t have to wait until your loved one has hit rock bottom (such as losing their job or suffering a medical emergency); always speak out.
• Express your concerns honestly, such as how you care about the person and their well-being. Talk about an example of your loved one’s behaviour and how it’s affecting you.
• Listen, even when you don’t agree. Take the time to listen to what they have to say without trying to argue or contradict them. If your loved one feels heard, the more likely they are to trust and confide in you.
• Be prepared for denial, anger or defensiveness and refusing to discuss drug use. People feel shame when confronted and try to deny there’s a problem. In this case, don’t argue and revisit the conversation at another time.
• Avoid trying to lecture, bribe, or punish the person for their actions. Emotional appeals or becoming angry can add to the user’s feelings of guilt and reinforce their compulsion to use.
• Don’t expect a single conversation to fix every problem right now. This will be the first of many conversations to acknowledge the problem.
• Offer information on how they can address their drug problem, such as calling a helpline, talking to a doctor, or confiding in a drug counsellor.

Set Healthy Boundaries

When someone you love is dealing with substance misuse, it can be easy to fall into the trap of shielding them from the consequences of their addiction. For example, “enabling” someone’s habits (such as paying for their drug and alcohol use, putting their feelings before your own, or rearranging your life to accommodate them) does more harm than good.

It may seem like support, but it cuts into your own health and well-being along the way. Protecting your loved one from consequences hinders them from growing and removes the motivation to change things around.

Hold them accountable for their actions by establishing boundaries:

• Do not allow drug use or drug paraphernalia, or other drug users in your home
• Don’t cover for them if they miss work or school
• Don’t lie for them to get them out of trouble
• Make sure they pay their share of rent and other bills on time
• Refuse to give money to pay off debts or cover legal expenses if arrested
• Insist they always treat you with respect, even when under the influence

It can be a good idea to talk to your loved one about boundaries and clearly outline what you won’t tolerate. Mention the consequences if you break the rules.

Follow through. Someone with an addiction will test your boundaries.

Remind yourself why you’re doing this.

Look After Yourself

Recovery support can have an impact on your own mental health and wellbeing. By looking after yourself, it is easier to have the capacity to help others, such as directing them to mental health services. How can you ensure you are doing this?

• Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or counsellor
• Go to a support group, which can be a hotline, seeing someone in person, or speaking to someone online for treatment options
• Try self-care such as being creative (doing art), finding new ways to relax like meditation, or spending time in nature

Supporting someone for the first time?

• Reassure them that it is okay to seek help
• Help them find local services
• Attend appointments with them if they are okay with it

If they have already received treatment or support for substance use, you could help them stick to their treatment plan, go to appointments, and meet their targets. Help them feel supported by finding ways to spend time together (such as an activity they enjoy), listening if they want to talk about experiences, or explaining how the drug use has affected you.

Make a booking for a free 20-minute consultation with Clear Day Consulting.

Take the First Step with Drug Addiction Counselling

Whether you have tried group therapy before, have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, or have attended Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous a few times, Clear Day Consulting guides you with effective drug addiction counselling in Sydney. You will:

• Feel more in control as you start to shift your habits and gain confidence
• Improve your health and relationships
• Build momentum through regular check-ins, milestones, and real strategies
• Enjoy life without reliance on drugs (stress, social situations, and low moments)
• Feel more like yourself again; lighter, clearer, and more optimistic

Contact us today by calling 02 9420 0788 to take back control of your life.