Encourage the person to acknowledge the problems and seek help for themselves. Suggest a professional evaluation with a licensed physician, preferably at a medical center that's equipped to treat addiction problems and psychiatric conditions. If the person is reluctant, do the legwork yourself - find the facility, make the appointment, offer to go with the person. A little encouragement may be all it takes. If you talk to the physician first, be honest and candid about the troubling behavior. Your input may give the doctor valuable diagnostic clues. Remind them that no one is here to judge; that everyone is here to help!
The American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association17, and World Health Organization18, have stated that addiction is a disease and a powerful disease at that. Just like other diseases, treatment and recovery can be possible.