From the author: A little more for relatives and loved ones of addicts. If you have any suspicions that your loved one is using drugs, then you need to make sure that this is so. Provided that your fears are confirmed, you need to contact a psychiatrist-narcologist. After all, only a doctor can assess the patient’s condition, provide him with assistance, and refer him to a psychotherapist or psychologist. So, some advice for relatives: To find out whether a family member uses drugs, it is necessary to examine his biomaterial (urine, blood). Neither a pharmacy test nor excuses will work here: “Okay, now I’ll go to the toilet and bring you urine.” The test should only be taken at a toxicology laboratory, where you should accompany your relative. Urine collection must be carried out in the presence of a healthcare professional. This is the only way to guarantee a reliable result. If a person refuses, there can be two reasons: first, he uses and does not want you to know about it. This situation of refusal to test indirectly, but with a very high probability, confirms your fears. The second reason for refusal is that the person simply does not like being controlled, and he expresses protest reactions about this. To prevent a protest, you need to choose the simplest words that go from heart to heart: “I’m very worried, and I can’t find a place for myself. Please help me calm down. I love you very much and I don't like to be suspicious of you. I beg you: let's go to the laboratory. Forgive me for making such a request to you. I love you and I understand that it’s unpleasant for you right now. I would like there to be trust between us. I am not asking for immediate consent, please think about it.” It is important not to insist, but at the same time to say it directly, openly. If, after such an appeal, a family member, after thinking about it, refuses testing, then, with a high degree of probability, he is hiding something. Thus, we can assume that you have received indirect confirmation of your suspicions, and it remains to determine how serious everything is. But only a narcologist or a psychiatrist can answer this question. How to motivate a loved one to come for a consultation with a narcologist, psychologist, or psychotherapist about addiction. I suggest doing this. Gather an extended family circle by inviting as many family members as possible. Don't try to act or persuade alone. At this meeting, by prior agreement, each family member must have his say, expressing dissatisfaction with the facts known to him, as well as great concern about the future fate of his loved one. At the end of the conversation, family members should require him to see a doctor. This form of family influence is reliable. Of course, there are unpleasant moments in this. But think about it, after all, the health, well-being and, possibly, the life of your loved one are in the balance..