It’s hard to see a loved one drinking alcohol when you know it may be costing them their life. It may seem simple to you – just put down the drink. For a person with addiction and dependence, the process is much more difficult and may even be impossible to do on their own.
At America’s Rehab Campuses, we recognize the important role you have, as a family member, to your loved one facing addiction. You want to help, and it may even mean saving their life. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
You Can’t Force Someone Into Rehab
Most of the time, there is no way to force someone into rehab or treatment if they do not want to go. While that is very unnerving to many people, it’s more likely to be effective if a person seeks rehab on their own. The key to remember is that alcohol addiction is not just about changing a person’s habits but also working through the turmoil that keeps them in this place. That takes a strong dedication to want to get healthy.
Consider What You Will Do
Before approaching a loved one about their drinking and encouraging them into treatment for it, take a moment to consider what you will do for them. For example, if they enter rehab today, will you help them to have a safe, alcohol-free place to live as they recover? Will you be there to support them through this process? It’s important to define what you will do for them.
Then, consider what you will no longer do for them if they continue to use. For example, if you are providing financial support to them because they haven’t paid their rent or you make excuses for them when they fail to show up to an appointment, stop doing so. If you do things that may lead to their continued use in any way, make a promise to yourself and them not to do those things any longer.
Sometimes, a person needs to know there is help for them if they take this big step but also that they can no longer have easy access to the money or support they are getting while they use.
Consider the Value of an Intervention
It’s critically important to create a plan for an intervention. It doesn’t need to be like it is on television. Instead, bring together a couple of the closest people to your loved one who is directly impacted by their continued use of alcohol. Have those individuals come to an agreement that help is necessary. It may be important to all agree that inpatient drug treatment is the best option for your loved one.
Then, allow this small group of people to talk to the loved one openly about what is happening and why they need help. Talk about facts – specific things they do or did not do that impacted their lives and your own due to the addiction. Make it as clear as possible that you do not have the ability to continue to support this type of behavior.
By doing this, and having a group of people providing the same promises that they will no longer support the loved one, they are forced to make a decision.
Before You Get Started, Reach Out to Our Team
Before you speak to your loved one about getting into an alcohol treatment program, reach out to America’s Rehab Campuses. Let our team know what’s happening and how we can help. It may be possible to make arrangements, check for insurance verification, and create a plan in advance so your loved one can make the decision to get help immediately.
America’s Rehab Campuses is here to help you, as a loved one, to manage what’s happening to your loved one. It’s up to you to do what’s right for yourself as well, and that means not having to live in a situation where you feel unsafe.
Contact us directly to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment options and availability for your loved one. Learn more about the steps to getting your loved one the care they need.
