If someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and addiction, getting them the help they need is essential. The problem is that many people who struggle with addiction either deny that they need help, refuse to accept help, or are incapable of finding a reputable rehab center by themselves.
These complications can make helping an addicted loved one challenging. However, it’s important that you don’t lose hope. Addiction can feel hopeless, but it’s a treatable condition. A dedicated recovery center can help your loved one get clean, stay sober, and begin improving his or her life.
Even if your loved one isn’t taking the initiative to go to rehab, there are steps you can take to arrange addiction treatment for a loved one.
Step One: Convincing a Loved One to Go to Rehab
If your loved one denies they have a problem or refuses to get help, the first step you must take is to convince them that professional help is needed. There are many different ways you can accomplish this, and it may require more than one approach.
First, try a basic intervention. Sit your loved one down and express your concerns. Show them any evidence you have that their substance abuse is causing problems, such as legal, financial, or social issues. Explain to your loved one exactly why you are concerned and how a drug and alcohol rehab center can help. If you are still met with denial or refusal, it’s time to take further action.
Examine your own behaviors and ask yourself how you are supporting your loved one’s substance abuse. Are you lying to cover up for their behaviors or loaning them money? If so, stop all enabling behaviors. Make it difficult for your loved one to continue using drugs and alcohol in peace.
Once you’ve stopped doing things for your loved one that they are capable of doing themselves, try to set your own boundaries. For example, telling your loved one they can’t come into your home while under the influence until they accept help. Boundaries force your loved one to face the brunt of their consequences head-on, giving them the opportunity to realize just how serious their substance abuse really is.
If you’ve tried everything in your power but your loved one still won’t go to rehab, the next step is to stage a professional intervention. Hire a drug and alcohol interventionist, form a group, and stage an addiction intervention with your loved one. Working with a professional as well as a group of family and friends will encourage your loved one to accept help.
Ultimately, it’s up to your loved one if he or she is ready to stop using drugs and alcohol. All you can do is take care of yourself, uphold boundaries, and continue offering your support.
How to Find Addiction Treatment for a Loved One
Ways to Find a Recovery Center
While you could start researching and calling rehab centers near you, there are other ways to search for a program that is right for your loved one.
Ask a doctor, counselor, addiction specialist, or mental health for a referral. Each of these professionals can evaluate your loved one’s needs and make you aware of suitable treatment options.
Addiction treatment is covered by insurance, and paying with insurance is the cheapest way to get care. As a result, choosing an in-network rehab center is important. Have your loved one call their insurance carrier and ask for a list of recovery centers that accept their insurance plan. You can also research in-network rehab options online.
Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have any recommendations. It can be very reassuring to send a loved one to a rehab center that you know has helped someone else who is close to you
Qualities to Look For in a Recovery Center
Many people can benefit from a continuum of care where they begin treatment at a high level of care, such as inpatient or partial hospitalization, and slowly step down to lower levels of care as they progress through treatment. Also, be sure to consider your loved one’s situation. The more severe their addiction, the higher level of care they can benefit from.
Everyone has their own unique needs in recovery and everyone can benefit from a rehab center that offers adaptable and dynamic treatment plans designed to meet each patients’ needs.
In many cases, there is an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma that contributes to addiction. The best way to stay sober is to get treatment for these conditions and learn how to continue managing their symptoms.[1]
A reputable addiction treatment center will have a diverse team of licensed professionals, ranging from doctors and nurses to psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.
Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment does. It is a long-term journey. As a result, your loved one can benefit from aftercare services such as sober living, outpatient rehab, mental health counseling, medication management, recovery coaching, or alumni groups.
Once you’ve chosen the right program, call to set up a consultation or assessment for your loved one. Remember, it is your loved one’s decision to go to rehab, so he or she must get on the phone and go through the initial intake process.
How to Support a Loved One During Rehab
One of the best ways to support someone during rehab is to get involved in their treatment. Family members can do this by participating in family therapy sessions and educational workshops.
Family therapy sessions provide your entire family an opportunity to discuss and resolve conflict as well as learn how to support one another. Therapy can help improve communication skills between family members to promote healthier functioning and family roles in the household.
How to Support a Loved One in Recovery
You can continue supporting your loved one after rehab by supporting them in early recovery. If they are living with you, be sure to lead by example and don’t drink or use drugs yourself. You may also make sure to eliminate drugs and alcohol from the home and your loved one’s belongings.
Other ways you can support a loved one in recovery include:
- Drive them to 12-Step meetings
- Help them find a job or secure housing
- Attend Al-Anon meetings or a support group for yourself
- Celebrate milestones in sobriety with them
- Continue offering your support and encouragement
