Mainstream Mental Health

What to Do When Your Friend is an AddictWe all know that addiction doesn’t just impact addicts;it also shatters the lives of spouses, children andfriends. But what can loved ones actually do to help anaddict? Addiction counselor and former addict KathyWilliamson says, “Many people feel helpless watchingsomeone they care about struggle with addiction butthere are actual things you can do to help an addictget well.” Williamson, whose 10-year-addiction to pain pills beganafter a six-month hospitalization for recurringpancreatitis, has been free of her addiction for 30years and has never attended a recovery program. She’sthe author of “My Friend Is an Addict – What Can I Do?”