Timing is also essential; choose a moment when your loved one is sober and more likely to be receptive to the conversation. Understanding what addiction treatment actually involves can help you address concerns they may have about what rehab is really like — and ease their fear of the unknown. http://kts.com.pe/2024/04/18/short-term-vs-long-term-effects-of-alcohol-abuse/ Some programs restrict visitors during the first few days or weeks to help clients focus on their recovery. Relapse is common in early recovery and doesn’t mean treatment failed. If your loved one relapses, encourage them to return to treatment as soon as possible.
“What Can I Expect Once They’re in Rehab?”
Rather than making an addicted loved one feel bad about their substance abuse, it is more productive to take an understanding approach to communication. Nagging, pleading, and other tactics will only push them further away. It is essential to differentiate the person from the illness in order to fix the strained relationship. Scolding and shaming will only make them shut down, so if you feel unable to stay empathetic, you should try to get some outside help to help you during this time.
- To this day, there’s a stigma around addiction, and a “functioning alcoholic” may balk if they feel they’re being accused of being an alcoholic.
- Before you even get into the process of talking to your loved one about addiction treatment, start by educating yourself as much as possible.
- Admitting the need for rehab can feel like admitting failure or losing control.
- Before involuntarily committing someone, you should research to understand if your state allows it.
- Familiarize yourself with the program details, payment methods, and confirm that it meets the person’s needs.
Create an Intervention Plan
You want to help, but you might feel confused about how to get someone to go to rehab when they’re not ready to admit they have a problem. The good news is that there are effective ways to approach this sensitive situation with love and support. If you’re getting a loved one into rehab, selecting an appropriate time and a calm setting plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of your conversation. Choose how to get a loved one into rehab a time when your loved one is sober and less likely to be defensive. A private, quiet place without distractions ensures the individual feels safe and is more open to listening. If possible, plan the conversation for a moment when you’re both free from immediate responsibilities, so there’s enough time to discuss things thoroughly and without rush.
When a loved one is struggling with addiction, it can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved.
You can also do other things like writing letters of encouragement during an inpatient treatment stay. While the early stages of treatment are underway, continue to educate yourself on things that will be important later on, like strategies to prevent a relapse. With a Twelve-step program room full of people who care about the individual and want to see them get help, it’s possible that a breakthrough will occur. Don’t accuse your loved one of anything, and don’t come across as an opponent. First, avoid any time when your loved one is known to be under the influence. You need them to be sober, or as sober as possible, if this talk is going to have the desired effect.
