Getting help for drug use is an important turning point in any individual's life. Drug dependence is not just a phase or a bad habit that a person goes though, it is a serious problem that needs attention. Unfortunately, many people become dependent on drugs to "solve" their problems, which in turn creates more problems for them. If you are concerned about your drug use or someone that you care about use of drugs, it is important to become informed on what you can do to help.

This first section is for those looking to help someone they care about who has a drug problem. When someone has a drug problem, it's not always easy to know what to do. Should you talk to them? Should you leave them alone? Should you get someone else to help? Consider this, if they needed medical attention, you would contact a doctor. If they were going to hurt themselves, you would do everything in you power to stop them. It is because you care about them that you do not want to see them in harm's way. The same idea applies to their drug use. It might surprise you, but your friend or loved one needs you now more than ever.

The most important thing you can do is to be supportive of them. Showing support helps to let them know that you care and that they are not alone. Many of you may have already tried this and it was not successful. If this is the case, continue to encourage them to ask for help. Continually remind them that you are there when they are ready to get help for their drug problem. Keep in mind though, you can not force them to stop using drugs. You can only encourage them to continue to try to stop taking drugs and seek professional help.

• Talk to them when they are sober. Remain calm and caring while you remind them that you care about them and support their decision to quit using drugs.
• Try not to judge them. Do not accuse them of being a drug addict or of having a drug abuse problem. This will only make them defensive and less likely to participate in a conversation about receiving help.
• Do your best not to blame them for their drug problem. Placing the blame on them while trying to help them will make them defensive and they may push you away.
• Express how you feel to them. Tell them about the things you have seen them do when they are on drugs. Be sure to use specific examples, and tell them that you are there to help them.
• They may become angry and feel as though they are being cornered. They may deny they have a problem with drugs and say that there is nothing wrong. This is not unusual. Stay calm and supportive of them. You may decide to end the conversation but remember to bring it up latter once they have cooled down and have had time to think about what you have said.
• Be prepared. Prior to talking to them find out where they can get help for their drug problem. Research treatment programs, counselors, and meetings they could attend. You might offer to go with them to get help - but be prepared to follow through. This will show that you really care.

For those of you looking for help with your own personal drug problems there are plenty of resources to choose from. Across the United States there are numerous organizations built upon helping those who have problems with drugs. You may consider going to counseling, meetings, treatment or rehab.

Remember, recognizing you have a problem is the first step towards recovery. It takes strength to admit that you need help. For help with your drug problem to work, you truly have to want to get clean. Without this internal desire, even the most qualified and highly trained help will not work. Now is that time to take action and get help for your drug problem. Only you can end you drug dependence.