Struggling with Drugs - Help

 

Helping someone struggling with drug use who wants to recover is a critical and sensitive process. Here's a practical, compassionate approach:

1. Create a Safe, Non-Judgmental Environment

Listen without criticizing or lecturing.

Assure them you’re there to help, not to shame.

Avoid ultimatums unless safety demands it.

2. Encourage Professional Help

Medical detox may be needed if physical dependence is present.

Suggest seeing a therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist.

Help research rehab centers (inpatient or outpatient, depending on severity).

3. Provide Emotional and Practical Support

Offer to attend appointments or group meetings with them (e.g., NA, AA).

Help them structure their time with positive, sober activities.

Encourage a healthy routine—good sleep, food, and exercise help recovery.

4. Avoid Enabling Behaviors

Don’t cover up their problems, give money for drugs, or shield them from consequences.

Instead, guide them to take responsibility while showing care.

5. Stay Educated and Patient

Learn about addiction as a medical and psychological issue, not a moral failing.

Understand that relapse can happen—it doesn’t mean failure.

Celebrate small victories to build momentum.

6. Consider Support Groups (for you and them)

Al-Anon or Nar-Anon for family and friends.

Peer support groups can give them community and accountability.

7. Set Boundaries

Protect your mental health. It's okay to set limits on what you can and can’t do.

Support Groups for Individuals Struggling with Addiction

1. Narcotics Anonymous (NA India)

Focus: Peer support for individuals recovering from drug addiction.

Format: 12-step program, similar to AA.

Meetings: Available in major cities and online.

Website: www.naindia.org

2. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA India)

Focus: Alcohol addiction.

Meetings: In-person and virtual groups across India.

Website: www.aagsoindia.org

3. SMART Recovery India

Focus: Science-based, self-help program for addiction recovery (alcohol, drugs, gambling).

Approach: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) tools, not spiritual/religious.

Website: www.smartrecoveryindia.org

👪 Support for Families and Friends

4. Al-Anon India

Focus: For families and friends of alcoholics.

Format: 12-step, similar to AA, focused on healing and boundaries.

Website: al-anon.org (global, but has Indian groups too)

5. Nar-Anon

Focus: Family and friends of drug addicts.

Website: www.nar-anon.org (international with some India chapters)

🏥 Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers with Group Programs

6. NIMHANS (Bangalore)

Premier mental health and addiction treatment hospital.

Offers both clinical treatment and group therapy sessions.

Website: www.nimhans.ac.in

7. TTC (T.T. Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation – Chennai)

Offers detox, rehab, counseling, and aftercare groups.

Website: www.ttcrf.org

🕊️ Online & Phone Support (Pan-India)

iCall (TISS): Free, confidential counseling (mental health, addiction, crisis).

Website: www.icallhelpline.org

Helpline: +91 9152987821

AASRA: Suicide prevention & emotional support; helpful for those in crisis due to addiction.

Website: www.aasra.info

Helpline: +91 98204 66726