Seeing someone you love struggle with substance abuse isn’t easy. You may feel overwhelmed or hopeless – how can you do anything to help the situation? Why won’t they change? Can’t they see all the harm it’s causing? The reality is, many addicted people already know they need help but making that first step can be daunting. They may be afraid of change or rehab and worry that people might judge them.
Drugs are incredibly addictive and once someone has developed a dependence, it can be very difficult to break the cycle. Despite this, recovery is possible. Anyone can recover from drug or alcohol abuse, it just takes time, love, and support. And by showing your loved ones that you care, you’ll be more likely to convince them to go to rehab and seek addiction treatment.
Here in this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at addiction and what you can do to convince someone to get help.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Drug abuse is a chronic disease characterized by an incessant urge to take drugs despite the negative consequences. It’s considered to be a brain disorder, primarily because of the way in which substance abuse causes changes to an individual’s brain functions (reward, stress, and self-control).
Spotting the Signs of Addiction
Though everybody will experience drug addiction differently, there are a few common signs and symptoms to look out for, including:
- Mood swings
- Defensiveness
- Memory problems
- Paranoia and agitation
- Secretive and addictive behavior
- Social isolation
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities they once found enjoyable
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Bloodshot eyes
- Physical marks ( track marks)
Addiction may be a serious disorder, but it is treatable and recovery is possible. Watching someone you love grapple with substance abuse isn’t easy, but there are a few things you can do to convince them to start seeking help.
5 Ways To Convince Someone To Go to Rehab
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Do Your Research
Before you confront your loved one or try to convince them to go to rehab, make sure you do your research. The more knowledge you can gather about drug abuse, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with the conversation. This is important as it will help you understand your loved one’s addiction and why they got into it in the first place.
When doing your research, try to get as many viewpoints in as possible. Read up on treatment options and seek professional help from an addiction counselor or doctor to better understand addiction and the kind of support that’s available to your loved one. The Mental Health Services Administration also has an extensive list of online resources that you can make use of during your research.
It’s also a good idea to understand the needs of your addicted loved one and whether they’re suffering from any underlying mental health disorders. This will help you in your search and ensure you read up on the most useful information. As part of your research, look up different rehab programs to get a better idea of the treatment options available. Alongside detox and therapy, there are also more intensive treatment approaches such as outpatient treatment and inpatient care.
Approaching your loved one with all this knowledge up your sleeve will make for a productive conversation and show them that you truly care and are doing all you can to understand what they’re going through and want to see this person succeed.
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Set Up An Intervention
Setting up a professional intervention is a great way of getting family and friends together to talk to your loved one about their substance abuse. As well as bringing forward multiple points of view, professional interventions can help your loved one see the bigger picture and how their addiction is affecting those around them. When carrying out an intervention, it’s best to get professionals involved such as a treatment or intervention specialist. They can help act as mediators and guide the confusion, making it easier for everyone to open up and get their point across. Keep in mind that an intervention shouldn’t be an outright confrontation – you still need to approach your loved one with care, compassion, and understanding.
Sometimes, multiple attempts at intervention will have to be made in order to convince someone to go to drug rehab and get addiction treatment. This is completely normal – after all, addiction is a relapsing and chronic disease. Full recovery will take time, so try to remain as patient as possible. In serious cases, however, you can organize a court-ordered rehab. This is usually seen as the last step and only done in cases when the addiction is proving dangerous and life-threatening.
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Show Compassion
When you do enter into a conversation with your loved one, always try to lead with compassion. Avoid judgment and really get to the heart of their drug addiction. Remember that addiction is a disease, often caused by underlying problems like mental illness, stress, and trauma. Make it clear to them that you’re not upset or angry, you’re simply worried and want what’s best for them. This approach is more likely to get them to go to rehab and seek treatment, precisely because they won’t feel like they’re being judged or looked down upon. This compassion is something you’ll need to show throughout the entirety of their recovery journey – not just at the start. While it’s important to show them love and support, don’t forget your own boundaries either.
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Remain Objective and in Control of Your Emotions
It can be difficult to control emotions when you’re having a conversation with your loved one about their addiction. Feelings of anger, resentment, and confusion can all come into the mix. While these feelings are totally normal and understandable, they’re not going to help the situation or make your loved one feel more motivated to take action. If you do bring negative emotions into the conversation, you risk shutting your loved one down. They might start to get defensive and block out what you’re saying. This is why it’s so important to control your emotions and remain objective at all times. Be honest with them, by all means, and talk about how you feel and the tangible changes you’ve noticed with their drug abuse. At the same time, don’t let your feelings control the conversation. It may help to get a mediator involved or take part in family therapy sessions. This will help guide the conversation and keep everyone on track.
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Practice Self-Care
It can be difficult to watch a loved one struggle with substance abuse problems. The subsequent interventions and conversations can also be very draining. This is why it’s so important to continue to practice self-love and look after yourself during the whole process. You can’t help someone else if you’re own mental health or feelings aren’t 100% in check. You might find that going to a support group or group counseling session gives you a chance to de-stress and let go of your concerns and worries. Support groups exist all over the country, andhaving a space to talk to others who are going through a similar situation may also provide some comfort and inspiration.
No matter the circumstances, it’s always going to be challenging to convince someone to go to rehab. However, by incorporating the advice we’ve outlined above and coming to the discussion with facts and compassion, you’re more likely to get through to your loved one.
Luxury Rehab Center in Utah
Here at Cirque Lodge treatment center, we understand the devastating impact that substance addiction can have on an individual and their loved ones. That’s why we always approach each situation with love, care, and compassion. We cater to a wide range of conditions and addictions, including alcohol abuse and drug addiction. We also believe in a ‘whole person’ approach so will always take into account an individual’s unique needs and medical history to help draw up a personalized treatment program.
Ready to begin your recovery journey or simply want advice on how to help a loved one? Get in touch with our care team today who will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and walk you through the admissions process.
