A drug or alcohol addiction can quickly and easily tear a family apart. This is especially true if the addict has turned to stealing, lying, and deception to support their habit. It’s also unfortunate that many addicts won’t want to listen to their friends and family members when it comes to their addiction. They don’t believe that it is as bad as it really is, and many addicts will refuse to get the help they need. It’s a struggle that can make even the strongest individual cry in frustration.
How can family members encourage a loved one to enter an addictions treatment center? While it’s not always possible, there are a few things family and friends can try to convince a person to try rehab. Read on to learn more.
1. Learn about the addiction in question
If you really want to help your family member or friend get into an addictions treatment center, first take the time to learn what is going on with them. Learn how addiction works and why some people are more prone to it than others. Remember, we now know that addiction is a disease. When you look at it from this angle, it is easier to understand why your loved one is acting the way they are. If other family members will be talking with them about treatment, make sure they are getting the same important information that you are getting about the disease. Being on the same page will be more helpful in the end.
2. Talk to them in an open and honest way
We know how difficult it may be to talk calmly with someone who is addicted, especially when their behavior has been less than stellar in the past. However, staying calm and rational is the only way that they will listen to you. If you come at them yelling or with anger and frustration, your loved one is more than likely going to simply just yell back, walk away from you, or shut down. This gets you nowhere. Instead, ask them to sit down with you to have a calm, rational discussion about what is going on and how you can help. When they realize that you aren’t going to yell or scream at them about their addiction it will allow them to open up to you even more.
3. Stage an intervention as soon as possible
Your loved one may not want to listen to you as an individual. However, when confronted with a group, they may be more likely to accept that they need help with their problem. Get together a group of concerned family members, co-workers, and friends. Confront your loved one in a calm, comfortable setting. Remember, never let an addict know that you are putting together an intervention. If they know what they are facing, they may not show up. One person should be in charge of the intervention to make sure it runs calmly and smoothly. That person can direct the flow of conversation and step in if things start to get loud and heated.
If you need help learning how to put together an intervention, talk to your local addiction center for more information.
4. Offer them step-by-step help
Everyone knows that an addict won’t get help until they are ready for it. You can’t push anyone to go to treatment-they need to be ready to do it on their own. However, you CAN offer to be there for them every step of the way once they make that decision. For instance, offer to help them find a treatment center when they are ready. Ask them if they need help figuring out whether their health insurance will cover their stay. Offer to go with them to talk to a representative of the rehab company. Be with them as they call different centers, and help them come up with all of the important questions they will need to ask. Make sure they know that you will be there for them while they are in the program.
Taking the step to go to rehab must come from your loved one. However, they may be more likely to do so if they know they have someone who will help them through the initial process.
Some final thoughts
It’s difficult to get someone you love into rehab, especially when they are struggling to accept the fact they are an addict. If you need more ideas or help with your loved one, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 833-846-5669. We are here for you, day and night.