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How can I talk to my sister about her drug problem without her getting defensive and/or leaving?

14 Answers
Last Updated: 01/26/2021 at 5:07am
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
July 27th, 2015 2:40pm
I think you should try and be as empathetic and considerate as you can, it would be nice to attempt to make her feel safe and understood.
positiveVision68
February 24th, 2015 9:33am
I think coming from a harm minimisation frame of mind can help (which can be extremely hard when it is a loved one) but not condemning or condoning the drug problem, but rather exploring how to reduce the harm associated with their behaviour/problems. Also motivational interviewing is a great technique for this, which would go far over the 1000 word limit to explain fully (and not an expert, but I use it a lot with my clients), it's about establishing a collaborative non-judgemental conversation style for strengthening the persons own motivation and commitment to change. It's about finding that ambivalence (if it's there of course, it usually is we can become stuck in ambivalence for a very long time), if not a pro and con list (but a tad more subtle) can help. Also, with a non-judgemental attitude, you can try using a directive style that argues for change with, in this case a sister who has a drug problem, trying to find out why she enjoys using drugs but also why she doesn't which can create awareness of or the ambivalence itself. Focusing on that ambivalence can get the person themselves to argue against the behaviour themselves by creating and opposing view, in doing so a person is usually much more persuaded by their own words and hearing them out loud. It is then you can try and support them in what they want to do, just respect them, their decisions and their feelings/thoughts.
Anonymous
September 26th, 2016 4:06am
Drug addicts don't think they have a problem.. You can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves. I know from experience.
Anonymous
July 10th, 2017 1:16pm
First of all, avoid accusations and shaming comments. Instead, use "I" statements to let her know how her problem affects you and what you expect her to do. For example: "I've seen you using drugs 5 times this week. It makes me feel afraid for your well-being. I would like to help you. I hope you can tell me how I can do that."
PaulisNotaRobot
April 8th, 2015 2:27am
Don't approach her about the issue. Just be a better sister, but be her friend most of all. Maybe you can help her once she lets you in. Good luck. :-)
StephFerret
April 22nd, 2015 6:03am
If you try to talk to an addict about their problem they very well might get defensive and leave. It's sad but it can't always be helped. Certain ways of communicating might be more effective if they are open to it. Pick a time that isn't extra stressful and make it personal. Don't blame or accuse. Use those "I feel statements". Let them know that you care and love them so much and would support through recovery but that you aren't going to enable them in their destruction.
DipityEnigma
June 5th, 2015 1:13am
Let her know that you're not getting at her; you're concerned. You want to make sure that she's safe and when she's gone, you're worried about her. You just want to know that she's not going to disappear one day and never come back. Let her know that you're there for her and you always will be.
josh01
September 21st, 2015 6:43pm
Explain that you're there to help her and that you understand what she is going through and how you will all help her get through the problem.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 3:35am
There is no good way to confront someone with a problem. The best way might be to tell her what you want to in a neutral tone with no hidden remarks in your words. If she does get defensive remind her that you are only trying to help her. If she tries to leave, that is her decision.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 10:51am
I think you should try to be understanding and make her feel safe and also try and be considerate as you can
Anonymous
March 22nd, 2016 4:27pm
if i have to talk about that stuff i will try to explain the same matter using someone else story so no one would be ale to know that who is the real victim
KatieWhite
April 19th, 2016 6:21pm
Start slow. Also start from a place of compassion and concern. Let her know how much you love her and that your with her. A lot of drugs addicts feel like your attacking them when you're really attacking their addiction. In the end though, any solution will be up to her.
Greatlistener87
June 21st, 2016 8:13am
Drug addiction can be a huge problem, and people who are addicted to it often will be defensive when they are told that what they are addicted to is bad or they need to stop. Maybe instead of telling her that what she is doing is bad or to stop doing it. You could show her that you empathize and that you will help he get some help if she needs it.
lenakiimmm
January 26th, 2021 5:07am
She can talk to her sister about the problem of drugs and what it can lead to when it is used in inappropriate ways. Also, she can show her sister how much she cares about her sister and loves her. Expressing her emotion of sadness about her sister's drug problem would be more important than trying to stop her right away. Moreover, trying to figure out what leads her sister to start drugs would be important because everyone has different reasons to go in a bad way. Then, try to get over her addiction together. I believe that showing her sister that she understands her sister would be the most important step to do.