Whether you’re considering approaching a significant other, relative or friend about going to a rehab program, you’re probably feeling an assortment of emotions, including anger, doubt and fear. While there may not be a one-size-fits-all method to having these difficult conversations, you can harness some specific techniques to help:
- Conduct research
- Plan the meeting
- Hold the meeting
Waiting too long to speak to your loved ones could be a life-threatening situation, but you do want to have appropriate resources to guide the conversation. For example, your loved ones will likely want to know information about the rehabilitation program before agreeing to enroll, so have those details available to them. Also, you may want to speak with a representative from the rehab facility so that you have guidance before and during the meeting.
Gathering everyone who is close with your loved ones might initially seem like a good idea, but doing so could make them feel attacked and overwhelmed. Speaking with the closest relatives and friends is a good idea. Together, you can work to make a plan for what you will say during the meeting. A representative from the center guiding you is helpful here so that you have a better sense of what is useful to say in the specific situation that you’re dealing with.
Hold the Meeting
If your loved ones know that you’re trying to stage an intervention, they might not attend the meeting. On the other hand, they may have made a number of cries for help and feel finally relieved for the response. In any case, you want to do your best to arrange this meeting for a time when your loved ones will be sober if possible. Select a private space where they will feel as comfortable as possible. During the meeting, you may need to provide ultimatums. While it can be hard to let a sibling, friend or other close individual know that you will need to cut off contact if rehab is not sought, this action may be necessary to save the person’s life.
To develop a specific and focused plan without the help of an expert is difficult. Therefore, you should speak with a representative by calling 844-903-2111 to craft the best plan for your loved ones and to move them closer to the help that they need.