Helping a loved one find the courage to go to rehab can be difficult, but it might just be the push they need. Finding a treatment facility is a great way to help.
Can Addiction be Treated?
Yes, addiction is a treatable chronic disease. Contrary to what many people think, addiction is not a sign of weakness or lack of willpower. It is a serious disease that affects the brain.
There are many effective treatments for addiction and substance use disorder, including behavioral therapies, medications, and other types of support. The most important thing is to get started with treatment as soon as possible.
In the United States, around 8.1 percent of the population, or 21.7 million people, either need or regularly receive treatment for substance use disorders, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going to Your Loved One
Before you go to your loved one, it is important to ask yourself some questions. This will help you be prepared for the conversation.
Is it appropriate for me to help this person?
Consider your relationship with the person and whether or not you are in a position to help. It is important to be respectful of boundaries.
What do you know about the person you love?
Do your research. Learn about addiction and the different types of treatment available. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through.
Are there any mental health issues present?
Mental health issues can contribute to addiction. Therefore, it is important to be aware of any mental illness that might be present. For example, clinical depression typically involves symptoms like withdrawing from friends and losing interest in activities one used to enjoy, and these symptoms persist for a much longer period.
For someone to be diagnosed with clinical depression, the symptoms must last at least two weeks and demonstrate a change in one’s previous level of functioning, states the American Psychiatric Association.
Dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders) is when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 7.9 million adults in the United States have a dual diagnosis.
How many times has your loved one been in treatment?
If this is not the first time your loved one has been in treatment, you might want to ask about what has worked in the past and what has not.
What is your loved one’s current situation?
Be prepared to talk about your loved one’s current situation, including their use of drugs or alcohol, their mental and physical state, and any other relevant information.
What are your goals for this conversation?
It is important to have realistic expectations for this conversation. For example, your goal might be simply getting your loved one to agree to go to treatment.
What is the best time and place for this conversation?
Consider the best time and place for this conversation. Choosing a time when your loved one is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol is important.
What do you need to say?
Be prepared to discuss why you are concerned and think treatment is necessary. It is important to be honest, and open.
What should you not say?
There are certain things that you should avoid saying during this conversation. These include:
- Judgmental statements
- Ultimatums
- Threats
- Anything that could be interpreted as scare tactics
How to Get Help for Your Addicted Loved One
If you are unsure how to get help for your addicted loved one and may feel a loss of control, there are a few options. You can:
- Call a helpline: There are many helplines available to help you. These include the National Addiction Helpline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline.
- Talk to a treatment provider: You can also talk to a treatment provider about your options. This is a good option if you are not sure where to start. Agape Detox is a good option for treatment.
- Go to a support group: Many support groups are available for families and friends of addicted loved ones. These can be great resources for information and support.
- Get help from the government: The government offers many resources to help families and friends of addicted loved ones. You can find information about these resources on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
What Can I Do if My Loved One isn’t Ready for Treatment?
If your loved one is not ready for treatment, there are a few things you can do. You can:
- Offer support: You can offer your support to your loved one, which includes being there for them and listening to them.
- Get help for yourself: It is important to take care of yourself, which includes getting support for yourself and attending support groups.
- Be patient: It is important to be patient with your loved one. They may not be ready for treatment right away.
- Avoid enabling: It is important to avoid enabling your loved one. This includes giving them money or things they can use to buy drugs or alcohol.
- Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries with your loved one. This includes telling them what you will and will not do.
- Get help from a professional: You can also get help from a professional. This is a good option if you are not sure where to start.
Contacting Agape for Questions
If you are struggling to help a loved one who is a drug addict or alcoholic, many resources are available. You can call a helpline, talk to a treatment provider, go to a support group, or get help from the government.
If your loved one is not ready for treatment, you can offer them support and set boundaries. You can also get help from a professional. If you have any questions, please contact Agape Detox. We are here to help you and your loved one through this difficult time.
