Drug Problems Affect Everyone

• The common belief still held today is that drug users can simply stop taking a drug by themselves and that their drug problem is isolated to the drug users alone. This common misconception is a prime reason why drug problems are not addressed properly or with the right amount of support. Families and friends of a drug user develop their own dependencies and habits, whether they support the drug user's habit or are simply in denial that it is affecting them.
  Recognizing that everyone involved is at risk and that everyone's quality of life depends on the recovery of the drug user are critical to quickly getting the help that is needed.
  
  

Intervention

• Once family and friends understand that they are the keys to the success of drug user's recovery, an intervention is needed. It is recommended that the family bring in the help of an expert, someone who has resided over many interventions and who is a specialist in the field. The drug intervention specialist can prepare the family ahead of time with a strategy that best suits the drug user and his particular situation.
  The drug intervention specialist can help friends and family express themselves without driving the drug user away through anger and resentment. The idea is to get the drug user to see just how affected their family and friends are and to understand that the family is now taking action as a cohesive unit.
  While family and friends should support the drug user in any type of recovery, they should also state clear goals that they will no longer be supportive of the drug habit itself.
  
  

A Change of Pace

• It is widely recommended that a drug user be removed from her current environment and placed somewhere she can get a fresh start away from any influences that may be conducive to a relapse.
  While this can sometimes be arranged effectively within the family environment, it is better if the drug user is placed in a professional facility fitted with the right equipment and staff to deal with the hardships of recovery.
  With the right attitude, and with the support of family and friends, there is hope for many drug users who are desperate to kick the habit.