Opening a Dialogue with a Drug or Alcohol Abuse Addict

If you have a loved one who suffers from drug or alcohol abuse problems, it is important for you to encourage him or her to seek drug abuse treatment as soon as possible.

If you are ready to confront your loved one about his or her drug addiction or alcohol abuse problem, however, it is important for you to follow a few simple guidelines in order to help things go as smoothly as possible.

To prepare for a discussion with your loved one, keep the following tips in mind:

• Don't try to talk to your loved one while he or she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Your loved one will be more likely to become defensive, angry or impatient with the conversation.
• Don't talk to your loved one while you are under the influence of drugs. You won't be able to think clearly and will not serve as a good role model.
• Wait until you have enough time for you to carry on a conversation that is more than just a few minutes long.
• Express your concern and love for the individual, making sure to emphasize that you are approaching them about the drug addiction or alcohol abuse problem because you care.
• Explain why you are concerned about the drug or alcohol abuse, citing specific behaviors you have observed.
• Avoid being overly dramatic.
  

Remember, your goal at this point is to create an open line of communication with your loved one. Don't push too hard for your loved one to seek drug treatment at this point. Rather, make an effort to express your concern and to get your loved one thinking more about his or her alcohol or drug abuse problem.

If necessary, you may need to stage an intervention at a later point in order to get your loved one the alcohol / drug treatment he or she needs.

To learn more about how you can help a loved one suffering from addiction, read our sample article Helping Someone Suffering From Drug or Alcohol Abuse Addiction.