Monday, August 23, 2010
Never Politics or Religion
You may be familiar with the old saying “never bring up politics or religion.” I have one more topic that is often added to that list: drug abuse.
Are you concerned that someone you love, someone you work with, or someone in your neighborhood, is abusing drugs or alcohol? How do you begin a conversation with them?
At times, a person abusing drugs is aware they have a “problem,” but many times, they simply are unaware that their alcohol use has turned into a dependence or addiction. It may be glaringly obvious to you that there has been a personality or behavioral change, but the abuser will often deny there is an issue.
Here are a few suggestions from The Partnership for a Drug-Free America to get your conversation started:
• 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.
• Don't be under the influence of substances yourself.
• Establish a time to talk when the two of you can have more than a few minutes alone. Your goal is to have a dialogue — a 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 and it's this concern that 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. Express concern about continued use.
• Create a two-way dialogue so the person doesn't feel lectured or badgered.
• If the person states that there is definitely no 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 or explore motives. 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.
Wheeler Mission Ministries offers long-term residential programs for addicted men and women. If you would like more information about these Christ-centered programs, call Charles Dillard regarding programs for men at 317-636-2720. For information on addiction programs for women, contact Lisa Hoffman at 317-687-3630.
I encourage you to intervene in someone’s life if you think they are addicted. There is hope and there is help for them.
Rick
Are you concerned that someone you love, someone you work with, or someone in your neighborhood, is abusing drugs or alcohol? How do you begin a conversation with them?
At times, a person abusing drugs is aware they have a “problem,” but many times, they simply are unaware that their alcohol use has turned into a dependence or addiction. It may be glaringly obvious to you that there has been a personality or behavioral change, but the abuser will often deny there is an issue.
Here are a few suggestions from The Partnership for a Drug-Free America to get your conversation started:
• 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.
• Don't be under the influence of substances yourself.
• Establish a time to talk when the two of you can have more than a few minutes alone. Your goal is to have a dialogue — a 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 and it's this concern that 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. Express concern about continued use.
• Create a two-way dialogue so the person doesn't feel lectured or badgered.
• If the person states that there is definitely no 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 or explore motives. 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.
Wheeler Mission Ministries offers long-term residential programs for addicted men and women. If you would like more information about these Christ-centered programs, call Charles Dillard regarding programs for men at 317-636-2720. For information on addiction programs for women, contact Lisa Hoffman at 317-687-3630.
I encourage you to intervene in someone’s life if you think they are addicted. There is hope and there is help for them.
Rick
