Alcohol and drug addiction is an issue that millions of Americans suffer from every year. When you have to watch someone struggle with addiction, it can be mentally and emotionally challenging day after day. While you can clearly see the damage that drugs or alcohol are causing your loved one, they may not fully understand just how bad it is. This can cause you to become angry, upset, and frustrated.
When you try to encourage a loved one to get help when they don’t understand the severity of their addiction, it can be a very difficult time for everyone involved. If they are reluctant to seek treatment for their problem, you may need to have an intervention or ask others to help convince them to go to rehab. What is the best way to help someone get into rehab? Keep reading to learn what you can do.
Recognizing Addiction
If you believe that someone you love is suffering from addiction, you will first have to be sure that you are right. Otherwise, you’ll be fighting a losing battle from the start. There are dozens of warning signs to be aware of. From noticing how differently your loved one acts to trouble with money and relationships, addiction is often hidden in plain sight. If you believe your loved one is addicted to alcohol or drugs, your next step will be to talk to them about it.
Are They Open to Rehab?
If you talk to your loved one about rehab and they are open to the idea, you can make the process easier by helping them find a facility. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Many people become upset and even hostile when the subject of addiction or rehab is brought up. You don’t want to continually harass them to get help when it is clear they aren’t going to listen. If this is the case, a professional interventionist will help you put together an intervention with family, friends, and co-workers.
Planning an Intervention
Start by choosing a rehab center that can help you plan and carry out an intervention. It’s important to have a third-party lead the group during the process. They will also talk with your family and friends beforehand to explain what to expect and to provide tips on how to speak to the addict. You don’t want to make them so mad or upset that they leave the intervention before listening to everyone. Having a rehab facility ready to take on a new patient will also help. That way, the addict has somewhere to go as soon as they agree to the treatment.
Find Treatment Options
There is no reason why you can’t start researching treatment options on your own, even if your loved one isn’t receptive to an intervention just yet. In most cases, a residential treatment center will be the best fit for an addict, especially when their addiction is severe. Consider how they will pay for the program, the length of their stay, the location, the treatment approach, how detox works, and any aftercare services provided when the program is over. When your loved one does agree to get help, you’ll be ready with solutions.
It’s also a good idea to let them know that you will help them research and find the best facility when they are ready. For many addicts, the thought of dealing with this project is enough for them to stall. They may be much more receptive if they know someone can help them with the details.
Always Show Support
Addiction can make everyone involved angry, upset, hurt, and disappointed. However, when you are communicating your thoughts with your loved one, make sure that they know how much you love and care about them. Support will help a patient take their addiction and recovery seriously. It will also help to join a support group that caters to friends and family of addicts, such as Al-Anon. Read up on the specific addiction your loved one has so that you may understand it and them better. Knowing you are there for support is crucial for an addict, before and after their program. Regular emotional support and communication will make a huge difference during their recovery.
Finding the Center
We’re here to help you and your loved one take that first step towards recovery. When they are ready to accept help for their addiction, call us at 844-903-2111 to set up an appointment. With time, patience, and lots of support, your loved one will begin the steps to recovery.
