How can you help someone with a substance abuse problem?

It's very challenging to help someone with a substance abuse problem, and sometimes there is little you can do especially if that person has no desire to help themselves. Not sure if this is a parent, friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, or whatever, but no matter what the relationship, it's hard to convince someone that they need help especially if they are in denial or defensive of their issue. If you're a friend to them, and they depend on you to lend them money for their problem, do not lend them money. Do not allow yourself to assist them in their problem, that's a good way to start. You may want to try explaining to them that you care about them and you would like to see them get some help in getting themselves on track, but at the end of the day, they need to want to change for them. You might be able to make them realize it's an issue, but you will drain yourself emotionally trying to steer their recovery.

If they are ignorant about their substance abuse you have to shock them into stopping. Making them feel awkward about it, showing them photos of other addiction victims gone wrong etc... It's harsh but the softly softly technique often fails with addicts.

You can let them know that you care about them and will support them. If they aren't willing to help themselves, there is nothing else you can do.

You can only be a support person.

You don't want them to be dependent on you.

Unless THEY are wanting to stop the habit - nothing you can say... will ever work.