Public intoxication Drug dealing in the neighborhood Public drug use[1] X Research source
Providing or selling drugs to minors Using or brandishing firearms Driving under the influence Public drug use or dealing
Depending on the number of people involved, schedule specific times to monitor. This may be most important in the mornings and afternoons, when children are on their way to and from school, and in the evenings when the drug behavior is most likely to occur. If you already have a crime watch in your neighborhood, contact them to make sure they’re aware of the drug situation, and offer to volunteer.
To start the conversation, be straightforward. Say something like, “I’ve noticed you’re using drugs on a regular basis, and I am not here to judge you. However, we do share this space, so I think we should discuss how your drug use affects that. ” This will not be an easy conversation for either of you. Use nonjudgmental language, but be firm. Try something like, “I want us both to be happy sharing this home, and I won’t feel safe knowing you’re using in the house. ” If the person is someone you care about, saying something like, “Every time I see you use drugs, I’m worried that I’m going to lose you. “[4] X Expert Source Tiffany Douglass, MASubstance Abuse Treatment Specialist Expert Interview. 10 March 2020. Give yourself permission to leave. If the drug addict becomes violent or refuses to consider your concerns, you may have to move. [5] X Research source If your college roommate is an addict, encourage them to speak with the Office of Mental Health Services at your school. [6] X Expert Source Tiffany Douglass, MASubstance Abuse Treatment Specialist Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.
Set “punishments that fit the crime. ” Don’t kick the addict out the first time they slip up, or for a minor infraction. Create fair consequences to help the addict feel like they can succeed. Give the addict opportunities to succeed by allowing them to make up for unacceptable behavior by helping out around the house or completing other small tasks.
Avoid direct confrontation and never engage the addict in physical violence. [8] X Expert Source Jacob Christenson, PhD, LMFTLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist Expert Interview. 22 October 2021. If they cross one of the agreed upon boundary lines, address the issue calmly and remind them of the consequences. Wait to address the crossed boundaries when the addict is sober. [9] X Research source
Don’t make excuses for the addict to friends or family members. [11] X Expert Source Jacob Christenson, PhD, LMFTLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist Expert Interview. 22 October 2021. Insist that you will always tell the truth, and will not be made to cover for the addict. Don’t do work for the addict, so they don’t suffer consequences from work, family, or other loved ones. Never supply the addict directly or indirectly with drugs. It is easy to avoid directly supplying them with drugs, but covering their half of the rent, paying for their meals, and providing money for other necessary items may make it easier for them to purchase drugs. [12] X Research source
Addicts often threaten things such as, “I’m going to use, if you don’t let me borrow the car. ” Don’t buy into that. You are not in control of their drug use. Don’t apologize for saying no. You should not be sorry for standing up for yourself and your loved ones. Leave if the addict’s behavior is dangerous or the addict refuses to stop behaving in an unacceptable way.
