Acetaminophen/Butalbital/Caffeine - What can I do if someone I know is abusing pain pills?

5 May 2011

Hey Jessica,

Unfortunately, if your frined doesn't want help then there is little you can do other than be there when she does want help. Learning to give what is called tough love is critical. Try not to enable her destructive behavior. When she makes a mistake, let her suffer the consequences so she learns to not do it again. Be available when she needs to talk but don't pick up the pieces when she falls apart. Her destructive behavior will catch up to her eventually.

You may want to try a Nar anon meeting. It is the sister program to Narcotics Anonymous for loved ones of the addict. You can google Nar anon to find meetings near you. Go to the following website and read about helping a loved one with their addiction:

www.way2hope.org/family-articles/help-​addict-recover.html

I hope this helps,

Laurie