A Friend Guide: Recognizing Signs of Substance Abuse and Offering Support

Addiction affects millions of individuals and has a profound impact on their lives, as well as the lives of their families, friends, and communities. It is crucial to recognize the signs of substance abuse and offer support to those who may be struggling. Read on as we shed light on the prevalence of addiction, what it looks like and provide guidance on how to help a friend or loved one who may be affected.

One in 12

It’s alarming to learn that one in 12 individuals lose control when they drink or take pills. For these individuals, an allergic reaction or a different response causes them to struggle with stopping once they start. This loss of control can lead to a host of problems that pile up over time. With approximately 24 million people suffering from addiction, the impact extends far beyond the individuals themselves, affecting their families, friends, schools, workplaces, and communities, encompassing nearly 288 million individuals. Addiction touches almost every person in our society in some way.

Understanding What Addiction Looks Like

Contrary to popular belief, addiction doesn’t necessarily involve daily substance use. Many people with addiction are able to maintain their grades, jobs and families while still experiencing the negative effects of substance abuse. The key factor is how a person behaves and experiences difficulties when they do drink or use drugs. If someone struggles to control their alcohol, pill, or drug use and recognizes that they have a problem, it’s important to take their concerns seriously.

Recognizing the Signs 

Recognizing the signs of substance abuse and offering support to those struggling with addiction is essential for their well-being. By understanding the prevalence of addiction and its impact, we can take proactive steps to help our friends and loved ones seek the assistance they need. Remember, recovery is possible, and by extending a helping hand, we can make a positive difference in someone’s life. 

If you suspect that a friend or loved one may be 1 in 12 individuals struggling with addiction but you aren’t 100% sure, you can take the friend test, which may help you determine whether it’s time to approach them about addiction. If you recognize that your friend is demonstrating signs by answering yes to one or more of the following questions, it may be time to approach your friend about getting help. 

FRIEND TEST 

1. Is your friend always (or often) drunk or high? 

2. Does your friend always recommend activities that involve drinking or using drugs? 

3. Do they black out, embarrass themselves, or lose control when drinking or using drugs often? 

4. Has the frequency or amount of drugs they use increased over the years? 

5. Do they occasionally try to give up using or drinking – or switch from hard liquor to beer? 

6. Do they call you late at night, but don’t remember the conversation the next day? 

7. Are you often worried about your friends drinking or drug habits? 

Having the Talk 

If you are wondering how to talk to your friend, check out our helpful guide. This Friends Guide from Sober Living America offers tips as well as information on when to talk to your friend, what to say to them and how to say it.  Remember, it is natural to feel apprehensive about a friend’s potential reaction or the fear of losing their friendship. However, friends often have a unique ability to offer support in ways that parents and spouses may not be able to.