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It is really positive that you are concerned for a friend and want to help them.

Here are some tips and ideas on how you can do this. 

You may want to talk to your friend about the issue but you may be worried about how to bring it up, as it could be a sensitive topic. Often, speaking about it for the first time can be the most difficult, but there are some things you can do to try and make it easier:

• You can write things down beforehand, so you have an idea of what to say, you can mention your concern for their health. 
• Do some research, have a look at the information on Forward Leeds and Drugs and Me, gaining knowledge and understanding may give you some ideas of how to approach the situation with your friend. 
• It might take a chat about their general well being for them to open up. You may want to start by asking about how things are going for them in general, this could be the opener to you telling them your concerns and letting them know you want to help.

Let the person know that you are willing to listen to them without being judgemental and this may encourage them to talk to you. If they know you are open minded on the issue, they may feel more comfortable talking to you about it. 

It may be the case that your friend may not acknowledge or deny that there is a problem. Helping someone to change their behaviour can be difficult as the decision to get help is ultimately theirs. But if you are there for them and let them know you are a person they can come to this can help.

If your friend’s drug taking is having an impact on you it is important to raise this with them, even though your friend may not want to change their drug use, you could have a conversation with them that leads to them trying to reduce the impact in your house. 

Please keep in mind, that whilst it is really great that you want to help, you also need to look after your own well being and it may come to the point that you would like some support. If at any point you want some help with this issue then you can also come into LUU Advice.

You can also encourage your friend to come into speak to us at LUU Advice. We are a confidential service and whatever they or you discuss with us won’t be shared and your friend won’t get into trouble. If they are reluctant to do so and you feel comfortable doing so, you can suggest that you come in with them at first, so they have someone by their side. 

You can ring us on 0113 380 1420, email us here, or come and visit us in the Union building on campus .