People with a substance abuse addiction are often reluctant to admit they have a problem and initially reluctant to accept help. They may problems say things like, "I can stop drinking or using other drugs any time I want to" -- but they don't.
The stigma associated with substance abuse is a barrier that prevents many people from seeking or accepting help or support. 25% of adults believe addiction is a choice and a recent survey by Johns Hopkins found that people are significantly more likely to have negative attitudes towards those dealing with addiction than those dealing with other mental illness.
It is possible for you to help a someone who is in serious trouble with alcohol or other drugs. Whether or not they take your advice and seek help is really their decision and responsibility. Sometimes, approaching someone in trouble with another mutual friend can make intervention easier.
The first step in getting help is for the person to talk to someone about his or her alcohol and drug use. Eventually, they will need to admit that there is a problem, and to agree to stop drinking and/or using other drugs completely. This is not something you can do for them or a realization you can force them to make but you can provide support and understanding and be someone he or she can trust to talk to about the problem. You can't force a friend to get help, but you can encourage and support them as they seek and find professional help.
CONNECT WITH RESOURCES
E(F)AP resources and assistance are available to U.S. and Canadian Mauser Packaging Solutions employees and members of their household through our benefit programs.*
U.S.: THE HARTFORD: Enhanced Ability Assist® - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Call toll free 1-800-96-HELPS (1-800-964-3577) or visit www.guidanceresources.com.
View EAP Flyer (English)
View EAP Flyer (Spanish)
Canada: Manulife – Homewood Health/Santé: Resilience® Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Call toll free 1-866-644-0326 or visit www.manulife.ca.
*Resources and assistance available regardless of enrollment in healthcare benefits.
Note: Similar programs may be offered in other countries through Company provided offerings or government healthcare systems. Check with your local Human Resources representative for available resources.
If you are worried about a friend, family member or co-worker, it is important for you to speak to someone in private who is knowledgeable and reassuring. It's important to know the facts about what's happening if you plan to help. Don't try to help on your own until you have talked to someone you can trust -- a counselor, teacher, doctor, nurse, parent, or someone at your church or synagogue. Ask this person to keep the conversation confidential. You don't have to mention your friend by name; you can just talk generally about the problem. Talking to a professional will help you figure out what the best steps are for you to take.
There are many resources and support systems for individuals willing to seek help for addiction or substance abuse issues. In addition to the Company’s employee-assistance program (EAP), below are options for easy to access resources and support systems for addiction assistance:
- Alcoholics Anonymous: aa.org
- Al-Anon and Alateen: al-anon.alateen.org
- Narcotics Anonymous: na.org
- Cocaine Anonymous: ca.org
- Pills Anonymous: www.pillsanonymous.org
