If you’re concerned about someone’s substance use, it can be hard to start a conversation with them. You don’t want to offend them, but you obviously care about their wellbeing. If you think someone might be experiencing pre-addiction, try following these steps:
- Ask if they have ever heard of pre-addiction, and let them know that you just learned about it.
- Ask if they’ve ever evaluated their relationship with alcohol and drugs.
- Listen openly and non-judgmentally to whatever they have to say about their relationship with drugs or alcohol.
- Educate them that pre-addiction is similar to pre-diabetes. That getting support during this time can improve quality of life and prevent bad things from happening due to using drugs or alcohol, including preventing full blown addiction.
- Keep the focus on their health and well-being.
- Engage in a conversation that encourages them to think about why they use drugs and alcohol and whether or not using is helping or hurting them.
- Ask if they know about the benefits of getting support early.
- Ask if they’ve ever considered support.
- Ask them if they would like you to send them some information about how to successfully achieve the lifestyle changes that reverse pre-addiction.
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