It's never easy to tell a friend that he or she has a problem…but isn't that what a friend would do? No one ever thinks that "trying" drugs is going to lead to a life-threatening addiction. Yet, millions of people have to deal with this tough issue every year.
In this section, you will find information on how to recognize a problem and some suggestions on how to have a talk with your friend. You may even find yourself in need of help or someone to talk to. There are plenty of free online resources and confidential hotlines, as well as advice from teens who have been there and have dealt with this tough issue.
does my friend have a drug problem?
Does your friend seem like a different person when she drinks or gets high? Maybe she has been letting you down lately and you think it's connected to drug use. Or maybe some of the things she does when she is drunk or high are just scary. This can be a difficult situation to deal with, and sometimes the situation gets worse before it gets better. Don't make excuses. Talk to your friend.
what are the signs?
If your friend does one or more of the following, you should talk to him/her.
If he/she:
- Gets drunk or high on a regular basis.
- Drinks or uses drugs when he/she is alone.
- Shows up at school drunk or high or has skipped class to use.
- Needs drugs or alcohol to have a good time or cope with everyday life.
- Plans for drug use in advance.
- Starts hanging out with new friends who will do drugs with him/her or can score for him/her.
- Lies about drug use.
- Pressures others to use drugs.
- Has broken plans with you, or showed up late, because he/she was getting drunk or high.
- Shows little interest in or quits sports or activities he/she once enjoyed.
- Has driven a car while drunk or high.
- Borrows or steals money to buy drugs or alcohol.
Also, even if your friend doesn't exactly fit any of these, but you feel like he/she is headed in the wrong direction, you can say something. You don't have to wait for it to get worse.
Take Drug Quiz
how will my friend react?
If your friend insists that his or her drug use isn't a big deal, don't be too surprised – this is a pretty common response. But don't let this stop you from talking to your friend. Chances are that he or she will see that you're concerned.
what can happen if my friend keeps using drugs?
If your friend continues using, he or she could face some pretty serious consequences like getting caught or arrested, losing his or her driver's license, getting thrown off the team, suspended or being involved in a car crash, or worse.
looking at yourself...
Do you think you might have a problem? If you are worried and would feel more comfortable talking to an expert counselor, try one of these hotlines. They're open 24/7 and are totally confidential.