It’s great that you want to help your friend. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Be Specific. Talk to your friend about how you’ve seen their alcohol or other drug use (illegal or prescription) affect them. Use specific examples and speak from the “I perspective.” For example, “When we were at the party the other night, I saw you hooking up with Alyssa, but when we talked about it the next day, you didn’t remember. That scared me.” Your friend might not realize how their alcohol or other drug use is affecting you and others.

Encourage. While it’s great that you want to help your friend, you need to recognize that you can’t do this on your own; you may need to get a trusted adult involved. Try to get your friend to communicate with a trusted adult, such as a coach, a teacher or a guidance counselor. Remind them that these people are there to help.

Listen. It’s really hard for people to admit, not to mention talk about, that they have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol, so if your friend comes to you or you approach them, listen as best you can in a nonjudgmental way.

Inform. When your friend is ready to make a change and seek treatment, and remember this may take a while, you can help them to locate a doctor, treatment program or counselor. To locate a treatment facility, you can use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) treatment facility locator. Or you can call SAMHSA’s hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4673) to be directed to a treatment facility near you.

Support. Your friend may not listen the first time you approach them, but don’t give up, keep offering your support, and continue to reach out. Treatment for and recovery from alcohol and/or other drug abuse can be extremely difficult. If your friend goes into treatment this may be the time when they need you the most. Alateen is a great way for you and your friend to get support regarding alcohol and/or other drug abuse.

For more tips check out this article from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) teen Web site.

Information taken from the The Sara Bellum Blog on the National Institute for Drug Abuse teen Web site.