Effects of Drug Abuse on Friends

by Kandra Sperling

Overview

Abusing drugs can inhibit a person's ability to properly assess a situation, make wise decisions and control his emotions, thus effecting not only the individual using, but family and friends as well.
Fear

Because illicit drugs cause personality changes in the user, often leading to self-destructive and aggressive behavior, friends may have feelings of fear and choose to disassociate themselves from the user.

Alienation

Since a person who abuses drugs can become paranoid, distrustful and consumed with doing drugs, he may lose interest in things once important to him. His friends may feel aliented.
Hopelessness

When a drug abuser will not accept help, friends may feel depressed and start to think of themselves as part of the problem.
Other Negative Effects

People are social creatures who want to be accepted by peers, therefore a drug abuser exerts a strong influence on his friends and may convince them to use drugs.
Programs Available

Family and friends of drug abusers may be encouraged by attending local Al-Anon meetings where they can find support from people dealing with similar situations.