If you are faced with a friend’s addiction it can be hard to understand if you have never experimented with or struggled with addiction. Their behavior will be unpredictable and frightening, but your intervention may just save their life. Creating a strategy before trying to help is important.

The Health Services at Columbia University suggests doing the following:

• Educate yourself about drugs and addiction before confronting a friend
• Think about what you will say and be specific such as how concerned you are about their health choose a time when you will have privacy and be able to talk freely and without interruption
• Be prepared for rejection as your friend may avoid a discussion or deny the addiction
• Discuss addiction support groups and treatment options

Granted your friend may be the one with a problem, but you may experience stress due to dealing with their addiction. Groups such as: Al-non, Narcotics Anonymous and Families Anonymous can provide support:

Alcohol Anonymous
Al-Anon for Families
Cocaine Anonymous
Co-Dependents Anonymous
Drug & Alcohol Rehab Referral
Families Anonymous
Marijuana Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Nar-Anon for Families
Pills Anonymous
Recovery Resources by State
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD
How Social Workers Assist with Prescription Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator by US State
The Anti-Drug Campaign and Resources