Substance abuse takes many forms. Whether a person is struggling with prescription drugs, illicit drugs, alcohol or tobacco, the toll on the user and those around him or her is clear and often devastating.If you happen to be a friend with a drug addict, do not avoid him as many opt. You can really help your friend to quit drugs. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Here are some of the ways you can help your friend to quit drugs.
1. Share God’s love with your friend. Many people turn to addictive substances to mask emotional or spiritual pain. The knowledge of God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness in Christ can help your friend gain healing in these areas and break one of the driving factors in addiction.
2. Share your concern with your friend.Tell him you’ve noticed that he hasn’t been the same lately and ask if he is struggling with something in his life. This is a less confrontational approach that might prevent your friend from going immediately on the defensive. If this fails, you may need a more direct approach. If so, consider including family, friends, pastors, and professionals in an intervention plan to confront your friend with the truth of his need. Make sure the intervention has recovery in mind and not merely confrontation and accusation.
3. Never facilitate your friend addiction.Your friend may ask you for money or other means to support his addiction.Do not confront him but make him understand you can not help him destroy himself.
4. Help him to venture into alternative activities. These can help him break away from friends or places that reinforce his addiction.
5.Encourage your friend to seek medical help. Addiction is usually very hard to overcome which require doctors, counselors and support groups.