How Can You Help a Friend Struggling with Addiction?

If a teen has a friend who is struggling with addiction, it can be a difficult and challenging situation. Here are some steps that teens can take to help a friend battling addiction:

1. Educate themselves: Learn about addiction, its causes, and its effects. Understanding addiction can help teens be more empathetic and supportive of their friend.

2. Talk to their friend: Talk to their friend about their addiction in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. Encourage their friend to seek professional help and offer to support them in their journey to recovery.

3. Be a good listener: Listen actively to their friend without judgment, and let them know that they are not alone. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and offer support and understanding.

4. Encourage healthy activities: Encourage their friend to participate in healthy activities such as exercise, hobbies, or other positive distractions. This can help them focus on positive behaviors and build healthy habits.

5. Seek help from adults: If their friend's addiction is severe or if they are in immediate danger, it may be necessary to seek help from a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.

It's important to remember that addiction is a complex and challenging condition, and it may require professional help and treatment to overcome. Teens can support their friend, but ultimately it's up to the individual struggling with addiction to seek and accept help.

About Our Early Intervention

Students identified as being "at risk" by educators, parents, or doctors are provided with an opportunity for a private, one time session on the Kids Escaping Drugs Campus with their parent(s)/guardian, a counselor, and peers in recovery. Parents are provided with educational materials, and referrals to treatment services are made as necessary.