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COMING OFF DRUGS: HOW FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN INTERVENE
If there is somebody in your family who you suspect may be taking drugs or drinking too much, you probably feel extremely anxious about it. Parents in particular are often utterly terrified by the thought that their children may be taking drugs or sniffing glue. Their fear comes partly from their ignorance of one undoubted fact - chemical dependence is an illness which can be and is treated successfully.
Do not panic or lose hope. Ignore the hysteria in the newspaper headlines. Put old wives' tales out of your head. Take no notice of the warnings and advice which come from people who know nothing about drug dependence.
Drug addiction is an illness like any other. It can be treated by experts who understand it. Drug addicts and alcoholics do get well and go on to lead happy and useful lives.
Moreover, families can indirectly help addicts recover. The way the family deals with the ill person in their midst can increase their chances of recovery. Your actions and reactions will make a huge difference - if you make the effort to understand what these should be.
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