In Wichita, as in the rest of the country, the disease of addiction devastates many families. The National Institute of Health, NIH, estimates that one in ten Americans struggle with substance abuse. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Millions have been where you are and, with treatment and support, gone on to live happy, healthy fulfilling lives.

Remember that addiction is a disease and should be treated as such. No one overcomes addiction without the help of others. Recovery is not always easy, however it is possible and far less difficult than you may think. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, do not wait. Get help now.

How Can I Help a Friend Who is Using All the Time?

Watching someone you love struggle with addiction can be heartbreaking. For the person using, denial is a certainty and he or she may not even realize how bad the effect is on others and self. If you feel stuck and helpless to stop a person using drugs or alcohol realize that there is a way to change the situation.

An intervention is a great way to help a person see that his or her behavior needs to change. An intervention is simply a conversation where the person is confronted about his or her using and is encouraged to stop. Most often people are directed to a treatment center where they can get the help they need to overcome their disease.

Many people seek the guidance of a professional interventionist to help make the intervention a smooth an operation as possible. This professional may have you draft statements and rehearse the reading of them beforehand so that you and others can get an idea of what to expect and see what to avoid. On the day of the event, the professional may sit in and help defuse any emotional outbursts and generally keep everything calm and directed.

Once someone has realized that he or she does in fact need help, the next step is deciding how best to proceed. Most commonly people are recommended to attend an inpatient program where he or she can detox and then engage in intensive therapy. Everyone is different as is every treatment program, so make sure that you find the one that best suits your needs.

Learning to live free of alcohol and drugs is not easy, but it can be simple. Twelve Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are the most effective way to treat the disease of addiction. Everyone who wants to stop is encouraged to find a meeting, attend regularly, find a sponsor and start working the Twelve Steps. These steps are simply guides for learning how to live clean and sober. With the guidance and support of your sponsor and fellow group members you will be able to overcome all obstacles and start living a life better than you ever dreamed. If you are struggling with substance abuse, find a meeting in your area today and find freedom.