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

I think that, if you are sure that there seems to be a problem, confrontation is key. Dropping hints and such can be ineffective.

In my experience, a direct approach is the best way to bring this topic up. No sugar coating just really taking about it straight forward and making the face the truth with facts but at the same time offer them support and help.

The main idea here is to not judge or accuse or look down upon this person for having an addiction. An approach I use is to first start the conversation by telling the individual how much you care, that you really enjoy the fact that they are in your life, and that you want them to continue to be in your life. These positive messages are more likely to encourage the person to stay and listen to what you have to say - they put them in a comfortable place. Then I would address the addiction by stating that you feel that the addiction may not allow them to continue to effectively remain in your life. Express your fear - make the conversation, in a way, about you, how his or her behavior affects you. The relationship is very important to "you" - emphasize this and how you would be crushed if the relationship took a turn for the worse because of the addiction. I hope this is of some help.

You can start by telling them how you feel about it. You could say it concerns you or makes you feel uncomfortable. Maybe you are worried about them and any negative impacts it may be having on their or your life. Maybe you are concerned that the will not be able to stop and it could become a dangerous habit to them. Tell them your concerns. Maybe you could offer to spend time with them and do some healthy things together like go get some ice cream or kick a soccer ball around.

Alcohol and drugs are used when someone is looking for an escape. What are they escaping from? Do you know? Try to talk to them without sounding like you are condemning them. People respond best when they don't feel criticized. Approach it from a non judgmental angle and describe your feelings. It's really up to them if they want to change. You can't make someone do something, they have to want to do it themselves. See if you can stir up a need to have a different lifestyle. Find reasons why living life sober is better than drunk/high. Here's one reason to get you started: you remember your loved ones and the people most important to you when sober, but not when high. There's a lot of reasons you can find but only the reasons they think are important will really sink in.

Substance abuse is really hard because the abuser knows that it's not good for them when you get lost in a Perpetual cycle of guilt shame and drug abuse all thing you can do for someone who's suffering like this he's encouraged them to get help and love them unconditionally tell them that are concerned and tell them that you don't know how to approach them and if they don't hear you then have an intervention with all the people in that person's support system there are many different types techniques for rehabilitation so you just have to kind of look in your area if they do decide to gethelp

First of all, it's wonderful that you care and want to help! You can be so proud of yourself for that! Approaching someone with substance abuse issues can be difficult and intimidating. Bringing the subject up in a quiet, private setting can be helpful, and gently but clearly voicing your concern for the person. Maybe something like "Hey, I noticed that you [use this whenever that happens] and the amount/frequency of it makes me feel worried about you. I care for you and want to see you flourish." It can also help to suggest a few solutions and ask them which one they would like to try. Showing your support and your willingness to help is the first step of showing that you are a safe person to go to!