What to Do When Your Friend is an Addict

Mainstream Mental Health Radio

What to Do When Your Friend is an Addict We all know that addiction doesn’t just impact addicts; it also shatters the lives of spouses, children and friends. But what can loved ones actually do to help an addict? Addiction counselor and former addict Kathy Williamson says, “Many people feel helpless watching someone they care about struggle with addiction but there are actual things you can do to help an addict get well.” Williamson, whose 10-year-addiction to pain pills began after a six-month hospitalization for recurring pancreatitis, has been free of her addiction for 30 years and has never attended a recovery program. She’s the author of “My Friend Is an Addict – What Can I Do?”