How to Encourage a Loved One to Seek Addiction Treatment

The pandemic has led to an overdose crisis. In 2020 there were more than 81,000 overdose deaths. This is the highest amount that the Center for Disease Control has recorded over a 12 month period.

Because of the quarantine, many people are dealing with isolation that’s worsening their substance abuse issues. Now more than ever is the time to reach out to loved ones who are suffering and to encourage them to seek addiction treatment.

But for many, this can be a difficult conversation to have. If you want advice on how to encourage someone to seek treatment then read our guide.

Talking to Your Loved One About Substance Abuse

Before speaking to you’re loved one keep in mind that they may not be ready to acknowledge that there is a problem. They may also deny that they are struggling with substance abuse problems and are in need of treatment.

The most helpful advice we can offer is that you should be willing to listen and be willing to ask questions. Allowing your loved ones to guide the conversation helps them understand that you care about what’s going on in their life.

Here are some conversations starters that may help things go smoothly:

• I’ve noticed that you’ve been drinking a lot lately
• Do you need to talk
• I’ve been concerned about you lately
• I wanted to check in on you because I’ve been worried about you
• You haven’t been acting like yourself lately
• Is anything wrong

Once you’ve opened up the conversation you need to focus on asking the right questions. We’ve designed some questions to help you carefully introduce the topic of addiction treatment.

• How long have you been feeling this way?
• Have you considered seeking treatment for your problems?
• Do you think that you have a substance abuse problem?
• Are you using a substance to try and escape your current situation?

The key to making this conversation go well is to make sure that the other person feels heard. You want to provide support without appearing overbearing.

If you’re trying to talk to your loved one experts recommend that you try to be as nonconfrontational as possible.

Finding the Right Addiction Treatment Center

The best way to choose the right alcohol or drug addiction treatment is to outline the goals of your treatment. Different drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers have different things they specialize in. Be sure to look up “addiction treatment near me” and ask for a list of addiction treatment services that they offer.

Decide what substances your loved one needs to recover from and which type of treatment is right for them. You’ll need to get a diagnosis to see if there are any mental issues that need to be treated as well as your addiction.

You’ll usually have to choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. Outpatient rehab centers allow you to receive treatment while letting you go home at the end of the day. While inpatient requires you to stay in a treatment center for an extended period of time.

You should also consider how long you’ll require treatment. You have the option of going for 30 or more days. A typical rehab stay is around six weeks.

After rehab, you should also consider options that will help you stay sober like a halfway house. These housing options act as transitional places after rehab. They require you to get drug tested and remain sober to stay there.

Enabling vs. Supporting: How to Know if You’re Helping or Harming

It’s good to keep in mind that addiction is a disease. Though you may want to help your loved one it can be difficult to know when you’re making their addiction worse.

One great way you can provide support is by driving your loved one to and from outpatient rehab or dropping them off at rehab if they’re doing inpatient. An example of enabling is making excuses for their substance abuse.

Though there isn’t always an easy way to know when your enabling a good rule of thumb is that enabling is when you help someone avoid responsibility. Alternately helping is when you try and support someone’s recovery.

When your loved one is struggling with substance abuse keep in mind that you have to step in and act quickly. There is a common belief that an addict has to hit rock bottom before they can change but if you wait too long your loved one may be too far gone.

Looking for the Symptoms

If you’re unsure if you’re loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction we’ve created a list of warning signs and things to look out for.

• Withdrawal symptoms
• Poor hygiene and lack of personal care
• Appearing drunk or high in public on a regular basis
• Experiencing memory or cognitive problems
• Stealing from loved ones to pay for drugs and alcohol

If you’re loved one is exhibiting any of these symptoms then it may be a sign that there is a serious problem. Your loved ones may engage in life-threatening behavior and say hurtful things.

Make sure that if you notice these sight that you’re staying in contact with your loved one about them.

Get Your Loved One the Help They Need

If you believe that your loved one is suffering from addiction you need to reach out. Speaking to them may be the thing that saves their life but it’s is only the first step.

Next, you have to pick the right place for your loved one to receive addiction treatment. If you want help finding the right rehabilitation center then contact us today.