Final answer:
To help a close friend dealing with drug addiction, offer emotional support, research rehabilitation options, encourage professional help, and involve them in healthy activities. Addiction can cause both physical and psychological dependence, with withdrawal symptoms varying accordingly.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you find a very close friend of yours doing drugs, the steps you can take to help them are varied and should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. However, there are some general strategies that you can consider:
- Offer emotional support and communicate your concerns about their well-being.
- Research local rehabilitation centers or support groups for drug addiction such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
- Encourage them to seek professional help from a counselor or addiction specialist.
- Engage them in healthy activities and social circles to distract them from drug use.
Addiction leads to compulsive use despite the negative consequences and can create both physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms associated with physical dependence may include tremors, pain, seizures, or insomnia, while psychological dependence can produce symptoms like anxiety, depression, paranoia, or hallucinations. In some cases, methadone is used in the treatment of heroin addiction to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.