Convincing an addict to go to rehab isn’t easy. To help a loved one, you need to know how to get someone into rehab. Here are 10 tips that work.
Around 1 in 10 people over the age of 12 in the US struggle with substance abuse, including addiction to prescription drugs.
That’s 23.5 million Americans that are addicted to alcohol and drugs. Roughly equal to the entire population of Texas. Yet, many of those struggling with addiction do not seek the treatment they need.
Read on for 10 tips for how to get someone into rehab.
- Schedule an Intervention
An intervention is a carefully planned meeting that involves all the people that care about the person struggling with addiction.
At this intervention, the group gathers to confront the addict about his or her addiction and ask him or her to go to rehab.
The intervention team can include family and friends, spiritual leaders, and even a professional interventionalist. During the intervention, each member provides specific examples of destructive behavior and what impact it has had on the family and friends.
At the intervention, family and friends will clearly identify the consequences of refusing treatment. They may include losing their home, losing access to children and so on.
Many of the tips that we’ll talk about in this post can be used during an intervention.
- Demonstrate Empathy
Because of the addiction of someone you care about, you likely feel frustrated, angry and overwhelmed.
But, to convince someone to go to rehab, you need to show empathy. Otherwise, your loved one may resist your good intentions and feel that you just want to control his or her life.
To show empathy you need to avoid criticizing or accusing your loved one. You need to ask more questions and make fewer statements.
Though difficult, showing empathy plays a big part in how to get someone to go to rehab.
- Use I Statements
When you talk to your loved one about his or her addiction, it’s vital that you focus only on what you think, feel and see.
Making statements like “you always” or “you never” may drive a wedge between the two of you. And it could make the person feel that you are judging them unfairly.
Remember, people who have an addiction don’t always realize that they do. But if they become defensive, you won’t get anywhere.
- Let Them Take Responsibility
In order to avoid enabling the addiction, you need to stop taking responsibility for the addict’s life. Don’t excuse his or her behavior to others. Be frank about the consequences of their actions when they were under the influence.
So, when your loved one can’t go to work because of substance abuse, don’t call his or her workplace with an excuse.
When your loved one begins to take full responsibility for his or her addiction, they are more likely to seek out professional help.
- Recruit Help
You might feel that you are the only one who can help your loved one go to rehab. But the truth is that the more people who work together for a common goal, the better your chances of success.
Think about what other family members, friends or community members you can recruit to help you work to get your loved one to rehab.
- Film The Addiction
When an addict is under the influences, the reality isn’t clear. So when you explain what their behavior was like, they may not believe you.
Often, addicts believe that their words and actions while high or drunk were not that bad. One way that you can show your loved one the reality is by filming evidence of his or her actions.
When your loved one is sober, you can show him or her the footage of their addiction in action. This may be the push they need to admit that they have an addiction and get help.
- Research Treatment Options
To convince someone to go to rehab you need to come prepared. You should have a list of treatment options to present to your loved one.
You will need to research the various options including Rapid Detox to understand rates, treatment offerings and duration of treatment.
Addiction recovery is scary for many people. They are afraid to fail and afraid of the difficulty that lies ahead.
Having options and research ready for them to review goes a long way in taking the fear out of the process.
- Involve the Addict’s Children
One of the best ways to help addicts get the help they need is to show them the effect their addiction is having on their children.
But, you must be careful not to turn the children against their parents or use them as bait.
The best way is to avoid leading questions and just record what children say about their mom and dad and their current life situation. Children can be deeply honest about things that hurt.
This may be just the eye-opener your loved one needs in order to take action.
- Consider Logistics
Rehab won’t seem as intimidating if you openly discuss all the logistics with your loved one prior to having the intervention.
Know how your loved one will arrive at the rehab facility, how you will finance treatment and where your loved one will sleep.
These small details can help break down objections and fears.
- Talk About Reservations
Sometimes, addicts say they will get sober but they first need to have one last binge or get through a certain holiday or season first.
These excuses are built on fear. But they are very real. Be open to listening to your loved one’s reservations.
Explain about the detox support and withdrawal help that he or she can expect at rehab. This would be a good time to discuss the level of counseling that will take place during and after treatment.
Final Thoughts on How to get Someone into Rehab
We hope you found these 10 tips on how to get someone into rehab useful for you and your family.
Remember, your loved one is so much more than his or her addiction. With proper treatment, they can lead a fulfilling and sober life.
Next, check out these inspirational quotes to help you stay positive and focused.
