You may know that the topic is sensitive, and that you may offend your friend, but the main thing is to destroy the stigma of addiction, and this is only possible if we talk about it. Emphasize the fact that you care about the person, and that's why you talk to him/her about it.
Tell your friend what you have seen and noticed, for example: "I get worried when I see ...", "you've changed in ways like...", "I could be wrong ...".
- If your friend responds that he/she is aware of this, but that he/she doesn't see any problem in it, you should back off. Leave the subject and do not nag.
- If your friend gets angry and hurt, do not be alarmed right away. Many people who feel "attacked" or who are in denial may become very angry, but when this anger has subsided they might start to think about what you said.
- If your friend admits that he/she drinks too much, you can first of all help him/her just by being there for support. It is then up to the person if he/she wants to try to change their behavior on his/her own, or seek help.
Source: Njutningsparadoxen (2014). Maggan Hägglund
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