On the Edge - Supporting Friends and Family through Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug. Alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. People who suffer from substance abuse may continue using the drug despite the negative effects it causes, and can leave love ones feeling like they are living “on the edge”.


What Are the Costs of Substance Abuse?

Alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs cost the United States more than $740 billion a year related to healthcare, crime, and lost productivity.  In addition, each year:

  • Drug overdoses kill over 63,000 people
  • Alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths
  • Tobacco is linked to an estimated 480,000 lost lives


How to Recognize Unhealthy Substance Abuse in Loved Ones

  • Lack of interest in appearance and grooming
  • Frequently missing school or work
  • Drop in grades or work performance
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Lack of energy
  • Weight changes
  • Red eyes
  • Diminished relationships with loved ones
  • Secretive behavior
  • Requests for money or discovery that money or items from your home have been stolen 


Is Addiction Treatable?

Fortunately, addiction is treatable. Research shows that the best way to ensure success is to combine behavioral therapy with medications, known as medication-assisted treatment. Each patient’s treatment must be tailored to their individual drug use patterns and psychiatric, social, and environmental problems.


How to Support a Loved One with Substance Abuse

If a friend or family member is showing signs of addiction, you can offer support by:

  • Expressing that you care and want to help
  • Reminding them that addiction can be treated
  • Treating them with respect, compassion, and empathy
  • Connecting them to treatment options


Getting Help

One of the most important ways you can help a loved one who is suffering from substance abuse is to connect them to professionals that can help them begin the process of treatment and recovery.

  • Talk to your healthcare provider to learn what resources are available to get your loved one treatment.
  • Call 911 if you believe your loved one’s life is in immediate danger.
  • Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (1-800-662-HELP), a free referral service that can help you find the resources you need for recovery.


ACTION ITEMS
If you have a loved who is suffering from substance abuse, help them get the resources they need to begin their recovery by talking to your healthcare provider.

 

© 2019 Relevate Health Group Inc. All rights reserved.