Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

Knowing that majority of addicts will always be in denial and may take offence when this topic is introduced to them; it can be quite a challenge to initiate the discussion. It is because of these challenges that we often meet clients who visit this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) specifically to get the best approach applicable. I remember one client asking “how can i bring up the subject with the substance user? Will the discussion make the situation worse?” from this concern you realize that the approach is a big problem and that is what doctor Akoury wants to addressed in this section. People often worry that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may cause them to pull a grudge with them and that this will lead him or her (the addict) to take drastic steps. They might make a scene in front of other family members, move out of the house, and drop out of school, secretly drink or use other drugs even more and hide it from everyone or retaliate against them or other family members.

These are actually very genuine concerns however, even though these concerns may be genuine, you will not know unless you try and for your information, you might find out that the reception may not be as bad as you thought. It may turn out that the conversation will be a wonderfully productive experience. It is perhaps possible that the person may have not noticed behavior changes, or doesn’t realize that his or her substance use was a problem or was causing problems to other members of the family. It is therefore necessary that you make effort and try because you will not know the outcome unless you try. Remember that when solutions are not realized, the problems may become so severe that the same drastic outcomes could result.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Guidelines for a healthy approach

The following guidelines could be helpful for you in the initiation of the discussion:

• Don’t bring up the subject when the person is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. When people are high, they are less able to understand logic and are more likely to be impatient, dismissive, angry and blaming. Some people have poor impulse control and may act irrationally or violently if the subject is brought up while he or she is under the influence.
• Don’t be under the influence of substances yourself when initiating the talk.
• Ensure that you chose the best time to talk preferably when the two of you can have more than a few minutes alone. Remember that your objective is to have a dialogue and a healthy two-way conversation in which you can state your concerns and understand the person’s perception of the situation. Ask if you can set a time to speak in the next few days to discuss something on your mind. If the person responds by saying, “Now is fine,” tell them you’d prefer to set time aside and not be interrupted.
• When you meet, tell your family member that you care for him or her. Emphasize that it’s this concern for their well-being that has led you to have this conversation.
• List the behaviors you’ve observed, state that you are worried about the effect drinking or drug use is having and express concern about continued use.
• Create a two-way dialogue so the person doesn’t feel lectured or badgered. Use open-ended questions.
• If the person states that there is definitely not a problem, ask to talk again at some point in the future. Your goal is not to convince the person that there is a problem, but to let them know that you believe there is one and that your belief is based on observable behaviors.
• Don’t try to speculate, explore motives or judge. It can sidetrack you from the main point.
• Don’t expect a dramatic shift in thinking or behavior right away; this conversation may be the first time the person has thought about this problem.
• Keep in mind that there is no quick fix and prepare yourself for the long haul and you will appreciate that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim was well worth it.
• If the problem has only occurred over a short period of time, or has not reached a severe stage, it is possible that the victim you care about could successfully cut back on the use of alcohol or other drugs. If the person has not tried cutting back, you could suggest this strategy as a first step. Some people in the risky or abuse stages of substance use, or even in the early stage of addiction, are able to cut back and consistently use only minimal amounts in the future.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Defeating the powers of denial

You may find, though as many do that people who can cut back are the exception, not the rule. Many people try to cut down and discover that they can’t. Or, they can only cut back for a few days or a few weeks before resuming heavy or excessive use. Trying to cut down and failing may help the person realize that the problem is more extensive than once thought. In the process of helping, you may also find that the person is able to stop completely. But many addicts have tried this strategy and couldn’t stop or remain abstinent for any significant amount of time. Ideally, the person should be assessed by a professional who can determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the problem and the person’s medical, psychological and social history. If you sense the person is willing to consider that there is a problem, suggest that an evaluation or a consultation with a trusted medical or mental health professional. (This suggestion may be too threatening for some people during a first conversation of this kind.)

Although you probably want the substance use to stop as soon as possible, immediate abstinence from certain drugs has risks, including withdrawal symptoms with serious medical consequences. Many people need to be admitted to a detoxification center to help them physically withdraw.

It is important to note that even if detoxification is not necessary, a formal, structured treatment program is vital for sustained abstinence. This is where a health care professional or substance use counselor would be very essential to help you and the person in need assess your options.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts