How can I help someone who is addicted to drugs?

Consider whether they are using drugs to self-medicate for some trauma they have experienced. This is especially likely to be true for women who may be covering up the pain of domestic violence or sexual abuse. If it’s true, the addict will not stop using until the underlying trauma is addressed.

Homeopathic treatment is an excellent way to treat the underlying problem, to reduce the withdrawal symptoms, and sometimes to reduce the cravings for the substance. See if you can persuade the person to seek homeopathic treatment. Because homeopathy treats the whole person, you can sincerely tell the person that it will help her with other problems she may have, like headaches or digestive problems. If you tell her that homeopathic treatment will get her off drugs, she probably will not go. But if she goes to relieve another health problem, there’s a good chance that the addiction will be addressed too.

Hypnosis is another method that can work, if you can find a hypnotist skilled in working with addicts. It may be covered by their health insurance. However, the addict must want to participate, which is tricky.