How To Handle A Friend Who's Spiraling Out Of Control | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

How To Handle A Friend Who's Spiraling Out Of Control

We are all in this journey together.

3174
How To Handle A Friend Who's Spiraling Out Of Control
favim.com

I have a close friend who is spiraling out of control. She’s using different substances all at the same time, causing major health problems. She has lost the will to care, and in some senses, to live.

Hopefully I’m the only one here. I hope that no one is clicking on this article for information because I pray that no one has had to go through this, and that everyone is happy and okay and eating cakes filled with rainbows and smiles. But alas, I fear that is not the case.

This spiral in which I speak can take on many forms. Attitude. Substance. Recklessness. Those are just a few. Or, in most cases, a mixture of them all. All symptoms of a spiral are linked. The signs are unmistakable. They distance themselves from others, lash out in anger, stop putting effort toward their appearance, and worst of all, they stop caring about what happens to them.

Beginning with one is sure to lead to the rest. It can start as something as simple as partying, a once in awhile occurrence. Trying something out for the sake of fun or impressing a group of friends. A good portion of today’s generation seems in love with the idea of bonding over a high. No matter the drug, it creates a form of assurance that you’re accepted.

Seeing someone fall deeper and deeper into the black hole they’ve thrown themselves in is heartbreaking. I find myself fearful more than anything. Fearful that she will take things too far one day. She will overestimate what she can handle, and find herself unable to recover. And worst of all, I’m fearful that she will be alone.

The worst part is, no one knows what to do.

We’re not her mom. Or her parole officer. Or anyone that has real authority. We’re just worried friends that can give their advice and opinion on their lifestyle.

Fighting, physically or verbally, will lead to them casting you out for good. I’ve tried the firm hand approach, telling her that what she’s doing could kill her. I’ve tried to softly speak to her, telling her that I don’t want anything to happen to her. Every attempt I’ve made came to the same result: denial. No matter the tactic, they just see you as a threat to their good time. Then you’re no help at all.

I’ve looked for an answer. A solution. The best way to help. Or any way at all. But I keep coming across the same response. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. And of course, I have to come to accept that. I can’t help them unless they take action themselves. I’m not with them all the time, holding their hand. And I can’t be, as much as I cry at night wishing I could.

So the most I can do is be there to support her. Try to guide her. Hold her hand when she lets me. Pray for her. Have her parent’s number on speed dial. Call the ambulance when needed. And hope. Hope that something I tell her will get through to her.

So if you’re like me, a friend that lost on the sidelines, hold tight. You’re in for a wild ride. But don’t give up. We all see the person we love beneath the struggling form before us. And we all know, the fight is worth it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

845
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15821
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3267
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments