Drug addicts need all of the support they can get. It is important to be careful about what you say as they are in a vulnerable stage in their lives. Here are some things you should never say to someone who is an addict as the words you say have the potential to bring more stress to their lives and will not help them go into treatment.
One thing you should not say to an addict is that they are selfish and need to stop. You need to understand that addiction changes the chemistry of your brain and that their selfishness is not their fault. It is a harmful side effect to the addiction. Drug addiction will not go away through sheer will and that no one wants to be an addict. It is a lonely life and is draining all of the energy out of them. Another thing you should not say is that you give up on them and that they will not beat addiction. It is normal to be angry when you are constantly witnessing someone you care about ruin their lives with substance abuse but verbally beat up an addict will not help them overcome addiction. There are thousands of addicts who beat addiction all the time and is possible as long as work and effort is put into it.
Do not tell an addict is the “right” way recovery is done. Not every mode of recovery works for everyone but that does not mean that nothing will work. Instead, help someone find a program that works well for that person whether it is one-on-one therapy, group therapy, expressive therapy, holistic therapy, etc. You should also not tell an addict that everyone is addicted to something. Remember that addiction is when you are hooked on something that comes with negative consequences but still continue to use anyway. If you really like a certain tv show or eating pizza, you may not be addicted to those things but just enthusiastic.
Do not ask someone why they started using drugs as it will most likely be a personal, serious reason like a traumatic experience or self-medication. Maybe that person does not even know the answer. These are just a few of the things you should not tell an addict as you want that person to know that they can come to you for help whenever they need it.
Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center’s mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
