When you are concerned about a loved one and their substance use, you may want to talk to them about getting help. However, before you confront them about their drug or alcohol use, it is essential to learn how to get someone to go to rehab.
How to Get Someone to Go to Rehab
It might seem like all you have to do is tell your loved one you want them to get help, and that would be the end of it. They would realize they need help and go to rehab willing. However, this is rarely the case. Often, those addicted to drugs and alcohol may not realize or accept that they have a problem and need help.
The following steps on how to get someone to go to rehab can help you and your loved one:
Step 1: Learn About Addiction
First, you should start learning about the disease of addiction. You cannot do anything productive to help your loved one until you know how addiction develops and affects your loved one.
Step 2: Understand What Enabling an Addiction Is
Enabling is when you think you are helping your loved one with their addiction. However, rather than helping them, you are only allowing their addiction to continue. For example, fulfilling household duties for a loved one who is sleeping off a hangover can enable addiction. In addition, things like making excuses when they call out of work or other responsibilities are enabling.
Step 3: Learn How to Practice Empathy
Showing empathy to express concern about your loved one can be more productive than begging them to get help. It is crucial to remember you cannot force your loved one to go to rehab. Ultimately, they need to make the decision themselves.
Step 4: Learn How to Talk to an Addict in Denial
The key to discussing addiction with an addict is to avoid directly blaming them. The best way to do this is by using “I” and “me” statements to explain how their behavior impacts you. For example, you could say, “I worry about your when you go all night and do not come home.”
Step 5: Learn What Things to Avoid
Part of learning how to get someone to go to rehab also requires you to avoid certain things, including:
- Denying your loved one has an addiction and attempting to hide it from others
- Not allowing your loved one to face the consequences of their actions
- Failing to create boundaries to help you maintain your health and well-being
- Not giving yourself the self-care you need, such as going out with friends or enjoying hobbies
- Not taking care of your financial needs
Step 6: Take Advantage of Addiction and Recovery Resources
As you research addiction, you will come across valuable recourses to learn how to live your life when there is an addict in your household.
Some of the more common resources you could find beneficial include:
- Support Groups – There are support groups for the family members of addicts that can provide a wealth of information.
- Libraries – Visiting your public library can help you locate books, magazines, articles, and other materials about substance abuse and addiction.
- Online Resources – Several online organizations share information about alcohol and drug use and addiction, such as the CDC, SAMHSA, MADD, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
- Rehab Centers – Many rehab centers offer education and counseling for people looking for help on how to get someone to go to rehab.
Step 7: Learn About Professional Addiction Services
Professional addiction services can help when your loved one’s addiction gets worse and they still cannot admit they have a problem. Furthermore, once they reach the point where they want help, it is vital to know what services your loved one needs to start their recovery journey.
- Intervention – An intervention is where you get help from a qualified professional to make your loved one more aware of how their addiction affects those around them.
- Detox – Detox is the first step in rehab. This is where your loved one undergoes detoxification from the substances they have been using. After that, they can begin their rehab treatment.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – This treatment program allows your loved one to be home in the evenings. During the day, they are in a clinical setting while they participate in their addiction treatment.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – IOP offers flexibility when your loved one needs to work or help care for your children. They attend treatment at a time that best works around their schedule, like in the evenings and on the weekends.
- Family Counseling – Family counseling benefits you and your loved one to work on damaged relationships and address any concerns that may have arisen from the addiction.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services in Atlanta, GA
Now that you know more about how to get someone to go to rehab if you need more help, guidance, and support, Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta, GA, is here for you. We can provide access to addiction resources and professional interventionists. When your loved one is ready to admit they need help, we have customized addiction treatment programs for teens and adults. For more support and information, visit our admissions page today.
