I am a drug addict. I need help.

Don't solve my problems for me. This only makes me lose respect for you.

Don't lecture, moralize, scold, blame, or argue---whether I'm loaded or not. It may make you feel
better, but it will make the situation worse.

Don't accept my promises. The nature of my illness prevents me from keeping them, even though
I mean them at the time. Promises are only my way of postponing pain. Don't keep switching
agreements; if an agreement is made---- stick to it.

Don't lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility of helping me.

Don't allow your anxiety for me---make you do what I should for myself

Don't cover up or try to spare me the consequences of my using. It may reduce the crisis, but it
will make my illness worse.

Above all, don't run away from reality as I do. Drug dependence, my illness, gets worse an my
using continues. Start now to learn, to understand, to plan for recovery, Find Nar-Anon, whose
groups exist to help families of drug-abusers.

I need help --- from a doctor, a psychologist, a counselor, from an addict who found recovery in
Narcotics Anonymous, and from God


.....................................................................................................................................Your Addict

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FAMILY