If someone close to you has a problem with alcohol or drugs…
Your support can make a difference.

Who Needs Support

Any person who uses drugs/alcohol has relatively high chances of progressing into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes he/she may not realize that their drinking/drugging has become a real problem for them and those around them. A drug addict may experience some/combination of the following symptoms at some point or the other:

• Any person who uses drugs/alcohol
• Has craving for drugs/alcohol
• Difficulty in controlling the onset, termination or level of use
• Experiencing a withdrawal on not taking drugs/alcohol
• Increase in the quantity used
• Neglect of other activities
• Continued use of the drug despite clear evidence of harmful consequences
• May not realize that their drinking/drugging has become a real problem

What type of support

The kind of support may vary between individuals based on their personal behavioral traits and the drug/alcohol of abuse. The type of support may broadly include:

• Support from family/friends/peers
• Early identification
• Emotional/psychological support
• Motivation for accessing support services.

How do you give support

• Focus on the person not on your feelings
• Respond to the circumstances as it exists/or may occur
• Be patient and compassionate
• Be active and get involved
• Stay calm
• Stay friendly supportive and non threatening
• Communicate–acknowledge, reflect and reassure