How to Help Someone Struggling with Addiction Get Help

Do you know someone struggling with addiction or someone watching a loved one spiral out of control due to drugs or alcohol?

Or maybe you want to learn how to help someone who has an addiction get onto the Narconon Program?

You can make a difference and help save their life.

Here’s a simple guide to get someone started on the Narconon Program:

1. Start by Making Contact.

This could be a conversation, a phone call, or an in-person visit. The key is to connect and get into good communication with them. Find out what they’re personally struggling with, if it is for themselves, or what’s happening with their loved one who is battling addiction. Care to find out and understand. What drugs are they struggling with? How long has this been going on? Have they been in rehab before? Do they want help? Are they in denial? Is the family enabling the one with the addiction, such as giving them money and a place to stay?

2. Help Them Through Potential Resistance.

Once you’ve gotten into good communication with the individual, it’s important to be prepared for potential resistance, as the next step is to introduce the idea of rehab, specifically, the Narconon program.

When offering help, remember that not everyone will simply say “yes” right away. This applies whether you're speaking directly to the person struggling with addiction or to one of their loved ones. Often, resistance stems from misunderstanding or unfamiliarity with the solution you're offering.

Resistance can take many forms: hesitation, anger, denial, or even a non-committal “we’ll think about it.” Don’t take it personally. These reactions are completely normal. Your role is to remain calm, listen, and be prepared to help them through it. The way out is the way through, and you may be surprised, but patience together with persistence goes a long way.

Sometimes, a simple question can open the door: “Have you ever heard of Narconon?” Narconon is not like traditional rehab programs. The word itself means “no drugs.” It’s a drug-free rehabilitation program based on the writings of L. Ron Hubbard, a humanitarian known for his discoveries in the fields of education, mental health, criminal reform, and drug rehabilitation. Although Mr. Hubbard was also the founder of the Scientology religion, Narconon is a completely non-religious program. Participating in Narconon does not mean someone is becoming a Scientologist. Narconon began in 1966 as a grassroots movement. It started when an inmate at Arizona State Prison overcame his addiction using principles found in one of L. Ron Hubbard’s books. He then began helping fellow inmates using the same methods. By 1970, the first Narconon rehab center was officially established, and in 1976, Mr. Hubbard granted Narconon permission to use his copyrighted works for drug rehabilitation. Today, Narconon is a respected program with a strong success rate, helping individuals overcome their addiction without the use of substitute drugs.

3. Help Them Confront.

Whether you're speaking to someone who is personally struggling with addiction or someone deeply affected by a loved one’s addiction, this step is vital: help them confront the harmful effects of their addiction or their loved one’s addiction. Ask questions and give them space to communicate with you openly without judgment. You’re helping them see what their or their loved one’s addiction is really costing—whether it's their health, relationships, their job, their family, or their future overall. Some example questions to ask:

• “How has this been affecting your life?”

• “Do you feel in control of your life?”

• “What are your goals for your future?”

• “How has your addiction impacted your family or the people you care about?”

• “Do you think it’s time for something to change?”

• “Where do you see this situation if the person doesn’t stop using drugs or alcohol?”

The act of confronting the truth head-on, not avoiding it, is the first step toward recovery. No one wants to be an addict. If they’re willing to acknowledge the problem and are open to change, there’s hope. And there’s a real solution.

Narconon offers a drug-free program designed to help people fully recover and overcome their addiction. If they’re willing to get help, the Narconon program can be the solution.

4. Give Them the Solution.

Once they’ve confronted the truth and shown a willingness to get help or to help their loved one, it’s time to offer them a real solution—Narconon. The Narconon program is not just another rehab. It’s a very different approach, and it works. A great way to help them understand how is to have them watch the Narconon Introductory Video at narconon.org to gives them an overview of the program.

Why Narconon works:

• Drug-Free Approach – No substitute medications. The body and mind are fully addressed.

• Results-Based, Not Time-Based – It’s an open-ended program, meaning it takes as long as it takes. On average, it takes 3 to 4 months and students move at their own pace.

• Life Skills – The program doesn’t just help them to become physically healthy and to rid their body of the drugs; it gives them tools to remain drug-free and be a contributing member of society.

5. Take Action Immediately.

The key at this point is not to allow any delay. You're dealing with addiction—a fragile and unpredictable condition. They might change their mind, overdose, or make a decision that puts themselves or others in danger, such as getting behind the wheel while under the influence. That’s why it’s critical to move quickly and help get the person connected with Narconon right away.

If at any point you need anything, don’t hesitate and call the Narconon International Helpline at (877) 419-4191.

Your Tools for Saving a Life

These are the key resources you can use to help get someone onto the Narconon Program:

Narconon International Helpline – For any assistance, call (877) 419-4191 to speak with a Consultant. These professionals are here to help and can:

• Assist addicts and families who reach out for help

• Assess whether someone is qualified for the program

• Coordinate with Narconon Centers to ensure a smooth arrival

Stay in close communication with the Narconon International Helpline—they are your resource to assist with whatever you need to get the individual onto the Narconon program.

Narconon Website – www.narconon.org is your go-to hub for information about the program, locations, successes, articles, and contact details.

Narconon Intro Video – is a short but powerful video that explains the steps of the Narconon program. Watch this at https://www.narconon.org/about-narconon

Narconon Graduate Testimonials – These testimonials are real graduates that will help give hope that Narconon is the solution. Watch these at https://www.narconon.org/videos/narconon-graduate-testimonial.html

Narconon Promotion Materials – Flyers, brochures, pamphlets and studies. Everything you need to help others understand the Narconon program and its difference. To request materials, contact the Narconon Field Coordinator at danielle@narconon.org or call (877) 419-4191.

Narconon Drug Education Booklets – Simple, effective booklets that explain the effects of drugs and alcohol, how they work, and why they lead to addiction. These booklets are valuable tools for both individuals struggling with addiction and their families. Download them for free at: https://www.narconon.org/get-help/download-drugs-booklet.html

Clear Body, Clear Mind by L. Ron Hubbard – This book is used as part of the Narconon program and gives a full description of the Purification Program, an all-natural regimen designed to eliminate the accumulated drugs and toxins from your system and free you from the devastating effects they have on the body, mind and spirit. Use this book, which can be purchased at https://store.able.org/clear-body-clear-mind-paperback/

You Can Help Save a Life

Even if they say no at first, don’t give up. Your persistence and care could be what saves their life. Be the one who made the difference. Be the one who helped save a life.