unit 5 health responses

1. If a friend or family member has started to abuse prescription or illegal drugs, I would convey this message to them in person by taking them to a quiet and private place:"You know (so and so),You and I have been really close for years now. And while I don't want to intrude, I've noticed that you've been taking a lot of drugs recently and i'm worried about you. I'm not here to judge but you haven't been yourself lately. I know doing drugs may appear to feel like it's taking you off the edge temporarily but in reality it can't solve all your problems and from what it seems like, things look like they're on the edge of getting worse. Think about how doing this is affecting not only yourself but your family as well. We don't like to see you like this and we really want to help you by taking you to a counselor or a therapist. I think getting the help you need would be very beneficial for you and your future. What do you say?" 

2. Honestly, personally, I lived this experience with my older sister, she was having a bad time in her life and this caused her to feel depressed. One day one of my brothers-in-law gave her one of his pills for depression telling her that by taking this pill, she would feel better and a little more relieved.  I think that with the knowledge that I have now for this class if she has started to abuse these prescription pills, the first thing that I would do is to warn her about the dependence that these drugs can cause. In addition, I let her know that antidepressants should not be used under medical supervision, or taking from another person just because that person feels well with those pills because each organism is different. The most important thing that I do is recommend a specialist. Moreover, I would advise her to find a psychologist so that he/she can evaluate her and if she needs medicine, he/she can recommend a good psychiatrist. I am sure that the only way to convey my message to her is personally because this is a sensitive issue to be addressed through another form of communication.

3. Unfortunately, I do not have to pretend to have a family or friend to confront on this topic.I have already confronted a family member on several occasions that was abusing drugs/alcohol. I became concerned after this person was pulled over the first time with pills. The second time I became concerned was when they received a DWI. After the fact, a conversation was had by several family members with this person. However, the person believed they did not have a problem. There has been several hospitalizations since, and a threatened eviction, and they have still not received help. There has been communication through text, in person, and from even hospital staff concerning this persons well being with no avail. At the present time, this person has left their environment and seems to be doing ok for the time being. Although moral of the story is they are still using moderately, and they will need to want help before they are able to get the right help they need. 

4.  I think addiction is a really sensitive topic. I would first try to find out for sure if they need my help or not. Everyone copes differently. Some people like to be alone and some people like to have a group of people to help them. It’s hard to talk about a topic like addiction because as humans, we are oftentimes embarrassed to confess our problems. As a friend, it’s my responsibility to support them and be with them through hard times. I would call my friend or do it in person. In person works better because I can hug them or just hold their hand to assure them that they are not alone. I will try to get the full knowledge of their addiction and what kind of drugs they are addicted to. If I know exactly what is going on with them, I will be able to help them better. I can bring up the topic by asking about their behavior and listen without any judgments. Some times, people will listen to their friends more than their family members so I would suggest that they get professional help to feel better and quit drugs. I will tell them that I can come with them to all the meetings or be there to help them cope with the emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms. I can even look up great rehab programs for them to enroll in and make a plan for their treatment. Lastly, I would assure them that everything they tell me, it will be kept confidential. People need to trust me if they want to use my help. It’s hard to tell people secrets when you have no faith in them.

5. What I would say to convience a person to quit using drugs and to get help is person to do the talking in person. It very important to be there for a person psychically if they are in a bad sitatuion and espeically if they need some kind of help. That will make the person reason that they matter in this world or that people that love them are here by its side. The first thing i would say that they should think about their family. Maybe the person has kids bring their kids into the situation is a great way to make them realize do they want to be this kind of influence on them. Another tacket I would use is take that person to a place where people are at their bad stage make them realize this is how they look to the world. I would also suggest if they wanted a person(me) to go along with them to feel comfortable or safe. Making a person feel secure and safe is the a big step to get someone to get help.