When a loved one suffers from drug addiction, their relatives experience shock, fear and despair. However, you need to act wisely and quickly - the right family support can save the addict's life. Here is an algorithm of actions for relatives, based on the recommendations of narcologists and psychologists:

1) Acknowledge the problem. The first step is to stop denying the obvious. If you have reasonable suspicions (the person has changed their behavior, strange symptoms have appeared, money is disappearing, etc.), it is important to acknowledge the fact of addiction. Do not close your eyes because of shame or fear of condemnation. The sooner the problem is recognized by the family, the greater the chances of a successful solution. Do not hope that “it will go away on its own” – drug addiction requires intervention.

2) Gather information and calm down. Try to study reliable information about drug addiction. Understand that drug addiction is a disease, not just “bad behavior.” This will help you treat your loved one without unnecessary judgment. Do not give in to panic or aggression. Now it is important for you to remain as calm and reasonable as possible in this situation. You can call the hotline “Narkostop” (or a trust line at a drug treatment center) and consult anonymously about what to do next.

3) Talking to the addict. Choose a time when the person is relatively sober and calm, and talk to him frankly. Speak from a position of love and concern, not reproach. Avoid scandals and moralizing - this will only push away. Say that you are aware of the problem and want to help. Give specific observations: "We see this and that ... we are afraid for you ...". It is important to make it clear that you are on his side, do not blame, but do not intend to indulge the addiction. If the person denies the problem, do not argue to the point of shouting, just give him time and try again later. Sometimes it may be necessary to involve in the conversation an authoritative person for the addict (for example, one of the relatives, whose opinion he listens to).

4) Don't cover up or indulge. Relatives often make the mistake of codependent behavior with the best of intentions. For example, they give the addict money to spend on a fix; pay off debts, hide misdeeds from the police, or forgive any behavior just so that "it doesn't get worse." These actions only delay the crisis and allow the addiction to progress. On the contrary, you need to set healthy boundaries: stop funding, don't justify the person to others, don't allow drugs at home, etc. Firmly make it clear that you will not support his use. This may be emotionally difficult, but it is a necessary step.

5) Contact professionals. Don’t try to cope alone. As soon as possible, get professional help. Use the contacts that are available:

• Call the Narkostop call center or the drug addiction service in your city. The hotline will give you step-by-step advice specifically for your situation and offer solutions.
• Contact a narcologist: first, you can go to the appointment with the relatives themselves (without the addict) and get recommendations. A narcologist or psychiatrist-addictologist will explain what treatment programs there are, how to motivate the patient, and what the family should do.
• Contact your local mental health center. There are state drug treatment clinics in every region of Kazakhstan that provide free help. Find out the opening hours, conditions for registration. The consultation is anonymous, you will be listened to and directed.

6) Motivation for treatment. The main goal of the family is to get the addict to agree to treatment. Specialists can help organize a so-called intervention meeting - a meeting where relatives and a psychologist jointly convince the patient to start rehabilitation. Advice: emphasize that you are ready to support him on the path to treatment, that this is not a "punitive measure", but a chance to get his life back. Tell examples (if you know) of people who managed to get rid of addiction - instill hope. Avoid threats and intimidation, it is better to appeal to the fact that you care about this person and you are afraid of losing him.

7) If he does not admit the problem. It happens that the addict categorically refuses help, assuring that he has “everything under control”. In such a situation, relatives should still consult a narcologist, perhaps invite a specialist to the house. The last option is compulsory treatment, but in Kazakhstan it is possible only by a court decision and in the case of committing offenses or by referral from a medical institution. Do not give up. Continue to show your concern, but firmly maintain the boundaries. Sometimes only through a serious crisis does a person understand the problem - be ready to come to the rescue when this happens.

8) Support during treatment. If the addict has agreed to a program (inpatient or outpatient), the family should become a support. Show that you are proud of his decision to fight. Do not remind him of past mistakes, but praise him for every step forward. Participate in family therapy sessions, if offered. Ask doctors how to behave during visits. Usually, they recommend staying calm and not sorting things out. Help create an environment at home that is free of triggers: remove alcohol, things that remind you of drugs. Learn to recognize the signs of a breakdown - rehabilitation specialists will tell you about this.

9) What to do in case of a relapse. Relapse is a common occurrence, and it is not a reason for despair or condemnation. If your loved one has relapsed and returned to using, react without panic: gently make it clear that this is not the end, it happens. Offer help again: a second course of treatment or a change in method may be required (for example, moving from outpatient to inpatient). The main thing is not to turn away from the person, but also not to justify the relapse. Continue to adhere to the boundaries and immediately involve specialists.

10) Taking care of yourself and other family members. When immersed in the problem of a drug addict, it is easy to forget about yourself. However, as the 12-step program for codependents teaches, relatives also need support. Contact groups for codependents (Contact the Narkostop hotline and you will be added to the group). There you can share your experiences with people who have experienced similar things and learn to live your own life without completely dissolving in the problem of a loved one. If you feel severe stress, anxiety, contact a psychologist yourself - this is normal. By maintaining your own physical and mental health, you will better help the addict. In addition, pay attention to the children in the family: if, for example, the eldest son is a drug addict, the younger ones also suffer from the situation. They also need care and an honest conversation about what is happening (in a simple form, without frightening, but so that they do not grow up in an atmosphere of lies and fear).

The main goal of codependent groups is to share experiences and support. You are not alone. Here you will hear stories from those who have already gone through similar things, learn how to cope with pain, anxiety and guilt.

Groups help:
- learn to take care of yourself,
- stop controlling and saving,
- restore strength and boundaries,
- get your life back.

You can find contacts of these groups in large cities on the Internet, the meetings are anonymous. There, families share experiences and work on the 12-step program to get rid of codependency. Website: https://naranon.kz/