A friend’s concern turned into a lifesaving intervention when Portsmouth Police responded to a welfare check on a man who’d recently relapsed into addiction — but hadn’t been heard from in days.
Officers found the man and discovered he had an open warrant for failure to appear. They took him into custody, but when the jail staff noticed swelling in his arm likely caused by drug use, they refused to admit him for safety reasons.
Emergency medics stepped in and transported the man to Southern Ohio Medical Center for immediate treatment.
How to Help Friends Struggling with Addiction:
If you have a loved one battling addiction, here’s how to support them safely and effectively:
💬 Stay in touch. Regular check-ins show you care and help catch problems early.
📞 Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Contact police or medical services if you fear for their safety.
🤝 Encourage treatment. Support their journey to rehab, counseling, or support groups.
🚫 Set boundaries. Protect your own well-being — addiction is hard on everyone involved.
🧑⚕️ Know the signs of overdose and complications. Swelling, unconsciousness, or confusion require immediate medical attention.
Sometimes, a worried friend’s call can be the difference between life and death. Don’t ignore the signs — help is out there.
