I'm concerned about someone in my life and his or her alcohol or drug use. How do I approach them about it?

With caution. Discuss the concern with people you're mutually close with, for example if it's a member of your family, with other family members. If the person in your life isn't ready for help or is in denial about his or her usage, I would contact a health professional. Approaching people in a confrontational way can have severe outcomes.

Never judge! Approach them with love. Be there for every step. Tell them how much you care about them.

Showing that person that you care is the best thing you can do for them. Often times just offering them a shoulder to lean on is really enough to help them out. You can ask them about their alcohol /drug use, but don't pry too much because it will make them feel like you don't accept them. If they want the support they will usually try to talk to you. If they aren't an adult reaching out to an adult in their life can also be helpful if they are in medical danger.

Think about what you are going to say. Maybe write down a plan, and work out what you want to achieve by talking with them. Remember to listen to this person, be compassionate and understanding to what they are going through. Always keep calm and collective, even when things get tough. Make your feelings clear and heard

I would attempt to approach them with humility. I would establish or confirm the relationship that we have. For example, "You and I have been friends for sometime. And you know that I care about you and your life and you know that I want the best things for your life, Right?" So, I would share my concern like, "I am concerned about alcohol usage and I fear that it will have a negative affect on you. I would like for you to get help. Will you consider getting help?" That's my 2 cents. :)

You should talk to them about what are they doing with their life, how it affects the people that surrounds them and how it may affect them to as social and physically

Try approaching them with a related subject suck as a smell, or burnt cloths, or even something as far off as just hanging out in general.

Explain to them your concern and say you want to help, drugs and alcohol is one of the biggest killers and you don't want to see this person gradually kill themselves. People who binge drink are certain that they're not alcoholics when really they sometimes are, help by taking this person to one side and explain what they're doing to themselves, don't announce this to other friends though, keep the conversation between you and the other person. Hopefully this helps :)

Let them know you care about them and their well being. Letting them know you are concerned and that you care, may be exactly what they need.

You can raise the issue in a kind, non-jugemental way. But as an alcoholic and addict, I know that for many of us, wanting to stop is a decision that we have to make for ourselves--once we reach the point where the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same.