What makes a real friend to an addict?
If you are the friend of someone who is battling an addiction, the last thing they need is your judgment. Instead, what addicts want to know is, “What makes a real friend?” You can prove that you are there to support your friend through this difficult time in their life by taking advantage of some suggestions, knowing the common mistakes to avoid, and utilizing helpful aides.
Suggestions
- Be there for your friends when they need help with their addictions. Allow them to talk, but don’t force your opinions on them, and don’t judge them when they open up and share their guilt, fears, and sorrow with you.
- Be sensitive to their emotions. You might not have ever faced drug or alcohol addiction, but your friend is on an emotional roller coaster right now that you need to respect.
- Be patient. You may need to hear the same stories over and over until your friends can overcome their frustrations. Let them tell what they need to tell and don’t interrupt.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t tell them not to take it so hard. This makes it seem as though their addictions and problems aren’t a big deal. Instead, take an honest attitude that expresses that you know this is a horrible time to be going through.
- Don’t take a diversionary tactic. If you call your friend to make sure he’s alright, don’t talk about meaningless small-talk subjects like sports or the weather. Be brave and confront the real issue at hand.
- Don’t be afraid if your friends cry. Tears are a healthy way of expressing negative emotions. In fact, tears can physically cleanse a body by carrying toxins out with them. Be the shoulder they need to cry on.
Helpful Aides
- Keep in touch. Giving an addict “space” may seem like the right thing from the outside, but to the one battling their addiction, this feels like abandonment. Always let your friends know you are there for them.
- Help in some real way. If your friends are having a hard time coping, give of your time to run an errand for them, bring them dinner, or help in another way. Don’t allow yourself to become a crutch for your friends, but give them the support they need to face another day.
- Encourage a new beginning. You can’t allow your friend’s habits to continue if addiction is taking over their life. Hold an intervention or suggest treatment, even if you fear an angry retaliation.
For more information about starting down a new road to a clean and sober life, visit www.newroadstreatment.com. We provide the professional help your friend needs right now. After your friend’s successful rehabilitation, when they ask themselves, “What makes a real friend?” the ones who helped them get the treatment they needed will be at the top of their list.