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Addiction: Debate

Tough love

Handcuffed hands'Tough love' is when you treat someone harshly in order to help them in the long run. This could be a parent refusing to support their drug-addicted son financially until he agrees to get treatment. The idea is that if you offer too much support you may be enabling someone to keep on using. However, some addiction experts warn against tough love. There's some evidence that confrontational, humiliating methods actually increase the chances of relapse. In the US, the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that people threatened with prison if they don't stop using drugs are no more likely to succeed in treatment than those who seek help on their own.

Cast your vote on other drugs issues here

Is 'tough love' the best way to deal with an addict?
Yes, if they won't respond to other methods. It's their own fault.
Sometimes. You should find a balance.
No - addicts have a disease and should be treated as if they're ill.

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