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Merit Resources: (509) 837-7700

Substance Use or Mental Health Crisis Line: 988

Serving Central Washington for Over 40 Years

Help Someone with addiction

How to Help Someone Struggling with Addiction

Helping someone overcome addiction can feel like walking a tightrope. Knowing when to step in and figuring out what to do may leave you feeling scared and helpless, but the support of family and friends can make all the difference in addiction recovery. People can and do recover when they get addiction help. How can you give them the support they need?

Watch for Signs of Addiction

Signs your loved one may need help with addiction include:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Shaking or tremors
  • Slurred speech
  • Rapid weight loss/gain
  • Poor hygiene
  • Change in daily routines
  • Lack of interest in school, work, or hobbies
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Personality changes
  • Agitation or mood swings
  • Obsessive thoughts and actions
  • Insomnia
  • Denial or hiding drug use
  • Blaming others for drug use or convictions

These are not all the signs of addiction, which may vary by drug.

Start the Conversation and Begin the Path to Addiction Recovery

If you’re concerned your loved one may need substance abuse help, tell them your worries and give them a judgment-free place to open up. Find a private, distraction-free setting and begin the conversation with questions like:

“I’m worried about you. Can we talk?”

“I feel like you’re going through something. What can I do to help?”

“You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Do you want to talk about what’s going on?”

Discussing your own struggles with addiction may help your loved one feel less alone.

Understand Drug and Alcohol Recovery Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Addiction’s effects ripple beyond the user. Bringing a positive, nonjudgmental attitude to the conversation is the most important thing you can do. Show compassion and patience as you help your loved one connect with drug and alcohol treatment services, reassuring them substance abuse disorders are treatable. Don’t give up! Continue reaching out with offers to listen and help.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Addiction effects more than the user. Taking care of someone in need of alcohol and drug treatment can be stressful and emotionally exhausting. That’s why there are just as many drug and alcohol programs for family members and friends as recovery programs for addicts. While your loved one is attending a 12-step program, think about attending Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, or another family therapy program, so you also have support.

Suggest Help from an Outpatient Addiction Treatment Facility

MERIT provides licensed addiction help for all types of drugs. Our CARF-accredited outpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs for adults, teens, and children ensure the highest level of care. No matter what substance abuse disorder your loved one is struggling with, we can help. Our substance abuse treatment center offers addiction treatment programs for: Alcohol abuse, Marijuana, Benzodiazepines, Hallucinogens, Opiates, Sleeping pills, Stimulants, Inhalants, and other addictive substances.


Start the Path to Recovery

Get the outpatient addiction treatment services you need close to home in Ellensburg, Yakima, Sunnyside, Wapato, Toppenish, Pasco, and Kennewick. Contact Merit Resource Services and take the first step to a brighter tomorrow.

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