Few events typically prove more stressful or painful than watching a family member or other close association experience addiction’s throes. People facing such circumstances would often do anything possible to convince said relations to see the err of their ways and get assistance.
That said, this decision ultimately rests with the addict. They must first understand a problem exists and need help overcoming this malady. Fortunately, however, there are certain steps individuals can execute that might this difficult realization easier for an addict to see.
Strategies That Might Convince An Addict To Seek Rehab
Avoid Confrontation
Avoiding confrontation might prove challenging. Naturally, a close relative, friend, or other trusted associate is angry and frustrated over the addict’s use and the impact said problem has had on the lives of all concerned parties.
That said, continually getting into the stricken subject’s face and dwelling on negative emotions is seldom effective. In fact, such behavior typically creates an even larger wedge between the addict and everyone else.
Industry professionals maintain that a better approach might be to quietly take the person aside, express their concerns, and hint that they might wish to consider receiving help for their issues.
Do Not Enable
Many of those related to or friendly terms with addicts have acted as enablers at one time or another. Enabling does not necessarily mean something as extreme as procuring the addict’s drug of choice. Such behavior could be as simple as not confronting said individuals when they lie or continually turning a blind eye to their actions.
Stress How The Addiction Has Impacted Others
In many instances, extolling the dangers of substance abuse to a dependent will lead to confrontation. Occasionally, however, pointing out how their behavior is hurting others might inspire them to reach an epiphany and take necessary corrective measures.
Refrain From Criticizing
Loved ones are implored not to criticize the addict. Never focus on their shortcomings, highlight their failures, or compare them to others who have not fallen prey to the disease called addiction.
Said actions will more than likely place a greater divide between respective parties and could ultimately worsen their dependency.
Highlight The Addict’s Positive Qualities
It is easy to point out a dependent’s addiction, limitations, and struggles. That said, focusing on their talents and other positive attributes might prove more bountiful.
Stressing their intelligence, athletic prowess, artistic talent, or musical inclination might inspire them to reexamine their circumstances and express the desire to recapture those past glories.
Help Identify Solutions To Their Problems
For many people, chemical usage started out as or continues to be a means of numbing he pain associated with life’s problems or escaping such issues.
A dependent’s family or friends might try to help them identify productive means of coping with these concerns. Should one learn that problems have solutions, they might encourage them to address their habit.
Remind The Addict Of Reasons To Establish Sobriety
Sometimes, addicts need to be reminded of the reasons establishing sobriety could prove beneficial. For example, those with children might be inspired to get clean to see their offspring grow older and achieve specific milestones.
Offer A Support System
Sometimes, addicts might fear rehab simply because they are afraid of the journey and the change said efforts will bring. Overcoming a substance’s physical and mental addictions, in addition to facing a completely different life than the individual in question had for some time could be intimidating.
However, should a loved one reassure the prospective rehab enrollee that family and friends are behind them and willing to serve as an emotional support system, said addict might offer less reluctance.
Show Tough Love
When circumstances warrant, showing tough love might be an option. This means cutting off any financial support, no longer offering safe harbor, and not jumping to help when the dependent gets into any sort of trouble.
Plan An Intervention
Often, the first step is intervention planning. Such events can rarely be thrown together and produce optimal results. Success hinges on careful planning.
The event should occur in a comfortable environment and include people who truly have the afflicted subject’s best interests at heart. Many industry specialists also advise retaining the services of a professional addiction counselor possessing significant experience handling interventions.
Contacting Us
Our facility operates facilities located in central and southern Florida and have helped people from across the United States conquer their demons.
Our trained addiction specialists have a dearth of experience treating addicts from various backgrounds and look forward to helping you or your loved on their journey back to optimal health.
For further information, please reach out to us at 772-266-5320.
