Do you want to learn how to help a cocaine addict because your friend or loved one is struggling? It is very common for someone to want to step in and help an addict turn his or her life around. But in the world of addiction, there are things you can and cannot do to help a cocaine addict. For example, you cannot force your loved one to quit. You may think an ultimatum might work, but addiction does not operate in that way. An addict can't just turn off his cravings for a drug. But there are numerous steps you can take that can answer the question, "How to help a cocaine addict?"

Educate Yourself on Addiction

If you are wondering "how can I help an addict," remember the first step is educating yourself about cocaine addiction and drug abuse in general. Become familiar with the signs of addiction, such as lying, stealing, unkempt appearance, giving up hobbies, not taking care of responsibilities, odd behavior, etc. Also, read up on different types of drug treatment programs, so you can have a better sense of how cocaine detox and rehabilitation work.

Don't Blame Yourself

You can also help a cocaine addict by taking care of yourself and understanding you did not cause someone's addiction, you cannot control it, and you cannot cure it. What you can do is provide your friend or loved one with information on drug treatment and share with them in a kind and loving manner that you are worried about them and their future. When speaking to someone who is addicted to drugs, it is crucial to not become confrontational or argumentative. People who are on drugs can get emotional and/or angry quickly, and will not take your conversation to heart.

Consider an Intervention for Cocaine Addiction

It is understandable to ask how to help a cocaine addict when you see someone struggling with this highly addictive drug. You may have thought, "My friend is addicted to coke," and want to step in somehow to assist them in getting sober. Your best bet is to set a time where you can speak to your loved one about getting him or her into a rehab program, or stage an intervention.

Interventions help cocaine addicts by highlighting how drug addiction is destroying their life, and how loved ones are by their side with a desire to help them. An intervention is typically set up to help cocaine addicts who have refused to get help in the past or do not believe they have a drug issue to begin with. An interventionist and numerous friends and family will meet at a specific time and place with an agenda to face the addict. During the intervention, people will share how the addict's drug use is affecting everyone's life.

If you are wondering how to help a cocaine addict and are considering an intervention, reach out to an experienced interventionist to help you set an agenda and understand what will take place. When asking yourself, how can I help an addict understand he or she should go to rehab, remember you cannot force someone into rehab. During an intervention however, you can speak with a drug rehab beforehand and arrange for treatment immediately after the intervention concludes. Not all addicts will take you up on going directly to treatment, but if the intervention is done correctly, you will have a higher success rate. By telling a treatment center "my friend is addicted to coke" and an intervention is being organized, they can begin creating a plan.

Once your loved one has entered into a rehab program, the length of time and type of program may vary depending on his or her level of addiction. Inpatient rehab typically lasts from 30 to 90 days, but can last up to a year in some cases. Detox is usually the first step of rehab, followed by the therapy and rehabilitation phase.

If you have been asking how to help a cocaine addict, consider educating yourself on cocaine, treatment programs and how an intervention may be beneficial. Countless cocaine addicts have completed treatment programs and have begun a new life free from addiction, and so can your loved one.