I would like to start off by saying that everything I am putting in this article is based off of my opinion and when necessary, always get professional help if you or anyone you know is suffering from addiction. Also remember that while it is important to love and be there for someone suffering from an addiction, do not put yourself in a situation that is dangerous.

1. Recognize that this person has a problem.

I'm sure most of us have heard that the first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem. This is something that I think can also be considered true for those that are in the position of having a loved one that suffers from addiction. If we can be of any help to those that suffer from an addiction, we first have to recognize that this person has a problem and needs help. We cannot help this person if we are in denial about the problem ourselves.

2. Try to be aware of this person's triggers.

I think that it's important to be aware of things that may trigger a bender for the person that is suffering from addiction. I know that for people that suffer from mental illness specifically, like anxiety or depression, being put in a triggering situation can often cause a particularly bad episode for that person. I think a similar thing can happen for someone that suffers from addiction. Try to make a mental note of things that happen when this person is at their worst with their addiction and see if there are any patterns that can be associated with the addictive behavior. After, try to divert away from potential triggering situations when with this person in the future.

3. Let this person know that you care.

This one is simple, let this person know that you care about them. Everyone needs to know that there is someone out in this world that cares about them. This could be the thing this person needs to know to decide to get help. Knowing that there is someone that cares about you and thinks that you have value in their lives may show addicts that they can get through without their vice.

4. Understand that the addict is the only person that can actually decide to get help.

Though it may be difficult to hear, this person that you care about can only get help when they decide to. If you try to force them into getting help, they may resent you for it and in turn, you could drive them to their vice instead of away from it.

5. Let this person know you love them, even if they resent you.

If it reaches a point where the addict does resent you, try to not get angry with them. Continue to be the person they can rely on and show that you love and care about them even when it seems that they hate you.

6. Remove temptation when with this person.

For example, if this person is an alcoholic, don't drink alcohol when around them. It would probably be better to avoid drinking at all so this person knows that you can support their recovery by not providing temptation.

7. Be the person that this person can talk to.

We all need a shoulder to cry on. While it may be difficult, it could be beneficial to the person you care about if you provide them with that open ear to their issues. It could be that part of what drives them to their vice is a feeling of isolation. Once those lines of communication are open, it may become apparent to this person that they can get out everything that's on their mind, and the temptation may not be as strong.

8. If this person seems to be a danger to them self or others, get professional help.

If it ever seems like this person could pose a threat in any way to them self or to others, find professional help. Even if this person may resent you for it, their life is more important and so are the lives of others.

9. Don't let their addiction control your life.

Though it may seem that you should be responsible for this person, don't forget to take time for yourself. It may sound selfish, but if you let this person's addiction control your life, you could eventually come to resent this person.

10. Pray for this person.

I personally am a Christian, and I believe that everything that happens in life is part of God's plan for us. In reality, there isn't always a lot we can do to help the people that we love in our lives that need our help. The best thing I believe any of us can do to help someone with an addiction or with any other problem, is to pray for them. Pray for that person every day, pray that they see God's plan for them, and pray that they decide to get the help they need.