How to help friend on drugs

[Sonny Jim]

So I have a friend I care about that lives far away, she's on drugs, and I'd like to help her
She would like to catch up
Unfortunately, my parents do not approve of her, nor would they let me see her
How do I help her??
(I'm 17 so I can't just do it anyway)

 

[Chaplain David]

Hi,

I saw your post on the front page. I don't want to discourage you but there is a limited number of things that you can do, largely because it's not you that needs to figure out that they need help. You know that. It's the drug user that needs to hit a bottom where they say, "I really need help, please help me."

Still, I would keep the person in prayer. Sending the person a link to a recovery site or sites is good. But you risk the person dismissing you from their life if you're too up front about their needing help. Unless they figure it out for themselves, they just don't want to hear it.

At you age, getting involved with Al A Teen would be helpful to you and also teach you how to move forward.

One of the main things you have to do is learn how to be helpful to the addict and also to yourself. If you do that, it's the most you can do to help.

I'm recovering and have gleaned the above first-hand. Please don't hesitate to write in again if you like.

God bless you and all the best.

 

[Sonny Jim]

Hi,

I saw your post on the front page. I don't want to discourage you but there is a limited number of things that you can do, largely because it's not you that needs to figure out that they need help. You know that. It's the drug user that needs to hit a bottom where they say, "I really need help, please help me."

Still, I would keep the person in prayer. Sending the person a link to a recovery site or sites is good. But you risk the person dismissing you from their life if you're too up front about their needing help. Unless they figure it out for themselves, they just don't want to hear it.

At you age, getting involved with Al A Teen would be helpful to you and also teach you how to move forward.

One of the main things you have to do is learn how to be helpful to the addict and also to yourself. If you do that, it's the most you can do to help.

I'm recovering and have gleaned the above first-hand. Please don't hesitate to write in again if you like.

God bless you and all the best.

I understand I can't do it for them but I still think they need me in their life bc I am fairly certain all her other friends are either a negative influence or don't influence her (neutral influence) I can't link her to sites bc she doesn't want to come off yet she likes being high and if I tried she'd just shut me off completely

 

[Chaplain David]

I understand I can't do it for them but I still think they need me in their life bc I am fairly certain all her other friends are either a negative influence or don't influence her (neutral influence) I can't link her to sites bc she doesn't want to come off yet she likes being high and if I tried she'd just shut me off completely

I hear you. Go ahead and read some of the links I sent you especially the one from Al Anon/Al A Teen. We have a slogan that's especially applicable that states, "Let Go and Let God." It doesn't mean that we forsake the addict/alcoholic. But it does mean that we rely upon a higher power (who I choose to call God). I'm going to read this thread as it develops. I think it's very important.

 

[Phil 1:21]

Unfortunately, my parents do not approve of her, nor would they let me see her
How do I help her??

1) You abide by Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." No one here should be giving you advice on how to circumvent your parents' authority. Their concern is valid, and there is a reason they do not want you associating with someone who's on drugs. Listen to them, honor them, and have faith that they truly know what is best.

2) Pray for your friend.

 

[Aino]

If your parents think you were best to keep away from her then I think that's a wise thing to do as well. Trying to help her out of drugs by yourself is too much for anyone. Ask older people, your or her parents, or someone to step in to try and get her some help. Or just wait that she'll want some herself. And even when she'll ask you for help, don't try to do it alone. It won't be enough. Professional help and lots of supportive friends and family members might be.