Drug Rehabilitation that works

4 Responses to “How do you help someone with a drug addiction problem?”

1. Amy Kate P Says:
   July 22nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm

   I was addicted to codeine. I have been off it for about a month now. I went to the Dr and told her what was going on (i was on it for 2 years, 9 tablets a day) She prescribed me Dizapam, its like a sleeping tablet, so I was pretty much knocked out for 2 weeks. Everytime I got a craving or got cranky my Dr had to knock me out (about 4 times a day). Now Im in drug addiction counselling and have no intention of taking codeine again. Talk to your friend, but i can tell you right now that they wont want to here what you have to say. They have to hit rock bottom first before they ask for help.

2. JedaSoul<3 Says:
   July 22nd, 2010 at 2:32 pm

   I am a recovering addict, so I can help somewhat (I hope).
   The main thing to know is that the addict wont stop until they themselves are ready to quit. Even if you beg them and they say that they will stop most likely they wont.
   You can ask them to go to NA meetings, that is a good beginning.
   Whatever you do, dont give them ultamatums, most addicts will choose their drug of choise over just about anything and anyone.
   You can go to http://www.narcoticsannonymous.com to find a meeting close to you if they do agree to go. If there isnt an NA around you try Alcoholics Annonymous, go to their website, which is http://www.alcoholicsannonymous.com or their may be a toll free number in your phone book. Call them and ask them if they can go to their meeting. I go to the AA meetings because I get more from them then the NA group around here, we follow all the same steps and principles.
   It took me a month at rehab and several tries to get clean, so dont think its possible that they are able to do it right away.
   If you want, you could go to an alanon meeting… just ask the people at NA to tell you where there would be an alanon meeting around you. If there isnt maybe there is an open NA meeting there, you can go to either of these to learn more about the addiction.
   I Really wish you well!! I wish that this was an easier thing to live with, but it is one of the most awful things to have to have in your lives.
   Good Luck to you and your loved one.

3. xx420_dreamer_420xx Says:
   July 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm

   Honestly unless your friend wants help you wont be able to do it. They have to want to quit or else they don’t think they have a problem. I was addicted to meth when i was 13 years old and i quit cold turkey without my parents even knowing i was on it. it was the hardest thing i have ever done. If your friend does want to quit the best thing to do is make sure there is nothing around that they can take to get high, no codine, oxy, nothing. Be advised though when you first bring it up they will probably get mad because they don’t think they have a problem and it will be very hard to get through to them. Good Luck. its a hard time.

4. lilahmaye Says:
   July 22nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm

   “Helping someone” with an addiction is diffcult, and you should be supporting them, rather than helping them, support them to help themselves. Help them see the light at the end of the tunnel. With that said…..Depending on whether the med is opiate based or non-opiate based, determines the best course of action. If it is opiate based, it is best to consider checking into inpatient at a hospital or checking into a detox center. Withdrawl symptoms can be anything from sweating to vomitting, and worst of all seizures. non-opiate meds, are less likely to cause these issues. After detox is completed, usually 7 days. it is best for them to find a psychiatrist/psychologist, who is aware of the situation, and sometimes if people are put on meds, they stop taking them b/c they “feel better” or think that they are “cured”, and eventually stop taking their meds, which leads some people back to where they started, so this is not a good choice. In response to going to NA, be forewarned, While it works for some it might not for others. People in NA know this as well. I went to NA for over 10 years, and in that time i wasnt able to stay clean for any length of time. now i have been clean for quite awhile, and i havent gone to NA. NA is good b/c it teaches you about addiction, and triggers and how to cope. And you* make friends who have struggled too. However, people in NA tend to surround their lives around their addiction making choices based on the fact that they are former addicts. There is also a lot of drama at meetings. Ultimately it is a choice to stop using. For me i chose not to go to NA, i simply made a choice, to not use. I see it as a part of my past, keeping a healthy fear of the day that i could use again. Be completely honest with your friend. Even if it hurts. Explain that this way of life with ultimately end up in destruction, and the loss of family and friends, and most important, themselves.
   Good things-would be to do some self-observation*, knowing what triggers you* have, and how to get over them. Help your friend find a creative outlet. Keep in mind they will not change until they are ready to change. recovery is possible. if they are willing.

   ****when i say you*, i am speaking in general terms, i know this is for your friend.

   i know this was long, im sorry, but having a “clean” life is important, and helping someone in need, is too.
   Sincerely,
   Lanora