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how to help a friend

 

two students talkingHow to help a friend with a drinking- or drug-related problem:

  • Talk to the person and share your concerns in a caring and nonjudgmental way.
  • Listen to the person--often people are ashamed to admit they have a problem.
  • Be supportive and let the person know that you are there to help them help themselves.
  • Give information and provide that person with numbers and resources where they can go for help.


Identifying an Alcohol or Drug Problem:

  • Some obvious signs of drug or alcohol abuse include changes in mood, attitude, personality, and behavior.
  • There are many physical and psychological symptoms that can be characteristic of a substance abuse problem; however, these can also be signs of other health-related problems.
  • Some common psychological symptoms include:
    1. changing of friends, oftentimes avoiding old friends who don't drink or use drugs
    2. loss of interest in things or activities that were once important
    3. lack of motivation and energy
    4. difficulty paying attention, poor concentration
    5. unexplained moodiness, irritability, and defensiveness