How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab
Seeing a loved one in the turmoil of drug addiction is incredibly difficult. Acknowledging the pain that they are going through, witnessing their life trickling away, and fearing the worst that may happen at any time are all challenges you experience when someone you care about is addicted to drugs.
You may have been told that getting professional treatment at a rehab treatment center is the best chance that this person has of recovery, but are unable to talk them around to it. If you feel confused about how to help your addicted loved one, keep reading. By the end of this article, you will be armed with information that will give you the best chance of success when talking with this person about going through a treatment program at a rehab center.
What Should I Say?
When you broach the topic of rehab with your addicted loved one, it is important to be honest about your feelings and what you have witnessed. It is also crucial that you stress how much you care about them and want to see them get better.
Some key points that you could raise include:
- Stressing that addiction is a serious disease that requires professional help to overcome
- Emphasizing that going to a treatment facility provides a structured and supportive environment in which to recover
- Stressing that recovery is possible and that many people have gone through rehab and gone on to lead happy and fulfilling lives after long periods of drug abuse
What Should I Not Say?
There are certain things that you should avoid saying when talking to your addicted loved one about addiction treatment. These include:
- Making threats or ultimatums such as “if you don’t go to rehab, I’m leaving you”
- Blaming them for their addiction or telling them that they are weak
- Making promises that you cannot keep, such as telling them that everything will be fine if they just go to an addiction treatment center
Why do People With Substance Abuse Problems Refuse to Go to Rehab?
There are a number of reasons why people with substance abuse problems may be reluctant or unwilling to go to rehab. These can include:
Denial:
- Many people with addiction problems are in denial about the severity of their condition. They may believe that they can quit using drugs without help, or that their problem is not as bad as it is.
Fear:
- Rehab can be a daunting prospect, especially for people who have never been to one before. There may be a fear of the unknown, or of what will happen during treatment. People with addiction problems often also fear the withdrawal symptoms that occur when they stop taking drugs.
Cost:
- Rehab can be expensive, whether it is outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment, and many people cannot afford to pay for it themselves.
Pride:
- Some people may feel that they can overcome their addiction without help, and that going to rehab would be admitting defeat.
Staging an Intervention for an Addicted Person
When you’re dealing with a loved one who is addicted to drugs, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many people go through this same experience, and there are resources available to help you. One of those resources is staging an intervention.
An intervention is a process in which family and friends come together to confront an individual about their addiction, in the hopes of getting them to seek treatment. It can be a difficult and emotional process, but it can also be very effective.
If you’re considering staging an intervention for a loved one, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Have a Plan
First, it’s important to have a plan. You’ll need to decide who will participate, what will be said, and what is the goal of the intervention. It’s also important to make sure that everyone is on the same page, and that everyone is prepared to follow through with the plan.
Be Honest
Second, it’s important to be honest with your loved one about their addiction. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s necessary. Addiction is a disease, and like any disease, it needs to be treated. Beating addiction isn’t easy, but it is possible.
Be Supportive
Third, it’s important to be supportive, but firm. Your loved one needs to know that you’re there for them, but they also need to know that you expect them to get help. Treatment may not be easy, but it’s necessary.
If you have tried to stage an intervention by yourself and it has not proved effective, it may be time to consult a professional interventionist so that you can do an effective, professional intervention. A good intervention specialist has years of experience conducting interventions, and they know exactly how to stage one for the greatest chance of success.
The Connection Between Mental Illness and Addiction – Mental Health Services Administration
Many people with substance abuse problems also suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. This is known as dual diagnosis, and it can make recovery from addiction more difficult.
If you suspect that your loved one may have a mental health problem as well as an addiction, it is important to mention this when talking to them about rehab. Treatment for both conditions will be required in order to achieve a full and lasting recovery.
What Happens During Addiction Treatment?
When someone goes into addiction treatment, they will undergo a detoxification process in which they will stop using drugs and allow their body to purge any remaining toxins. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is crucial in order to start the road to recovery.
After detox, the person will receive therapy and counseling aimed at helping them to understand their addiction and why they started using drugs in the first place. They will also be taught skills that will help them to cope with triggers and cravings, and how to avoid relapse in the future.
Most addiction treatment programs also include some form of group therapy, in which people share their experiences and support each other in recovery.
Why is Rehab the Best Method of Getting Clean?
While some people have been able to get clean simply by going to a support group like NA (Narcotics Anonymous), many people who have been engaged in drug abuse for a prolonged period of time find that they are unable to stop without professional help.
Going to a treatment facility means that your loved one will be away from the area where they were using drugs and the people who engaged in drug abuse with them.
When someone goes to a treatment center, they will also have access to MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment). This means that your loved one’s addiction can be brought to an end with less pain than if they would go cold turkey
Conclusion
If you are concerned about someone close to you who is struggling with addiction and would like them to seek treatment, it is important to talk to them about addiction treatment. While they may be resistant at first, you must stress that treatment is available and that recovery is possible.
If they are still unwilling to go to rehab, you may need to stage an intervention. Remember that your loved one’s addiction is a serious condition, and should be treated as such. With the right help, your loved one can overcome their addiction and go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Speak with Ebb Tide today about an intervention plan and addiction treatment options for your loved one.