Seek assistance. Encourage the person to enter a treatment program. Regardless of the response, consider seeking out a program to help yourself. You will meet others who live with addicts and learn ways to cope with them. A counselor or programs like Al-Anon al-anon.org or Nar-Anon nar-anon.org, which are programs for families of alcohol or drug addicts, may be able to help you know how to address the problem. Make a plan . If you live with a person who re- fuses to change, consider asking him or her to leave. Or, you may need to leave, yourself. Loving someone with an addiction does not require you to witness their destructive behaviors. You must be the one strong enough to take action to change the situation. Consider making a plan with the help of your family and other trusted advisors (such as a professional interventionist) and be prepared to follow through with the plan.
Never ride with a person who is driving while substance impaired.
Never ride with a per- son who is driving while substance impaired. This protects your safety and gives a clear message that you will not tolerate or con- done such behavior. It takes courage to say, “I think my friend or family member is an addict.” Follow
up on that courageous admission by going online and searching for services in your area to treat addiction, or help find assistance for yourself. You can contact the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Locator from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662- 4357 or online at samhsa.gov to find a local rehab facility.
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