Assisting a loved one through the painful and unpleasant stages of detoxing from alcohol or drugs can be terrifying. They often do not understand the extent to which drug usage is destroying their lives. However, there are some strategies that family and friends can use, even if their loved one is initially resistant to healing. It is crucial to learn how to communicate with them in a way that compels them to seek assistance.
How to Help Someone Who Refuses Treatment
Although it may be difficult, there are ways to deal with a loved one who refuses to attend treatment. Despite initial resistance, research shows that a loved one with a drug addiction can recover with the help of a professional rehabilitation program.
However, addiction is a disease that convinces the person suffering from it that they don’t have a disease. The first step to recovery is wanting to change, and one of the ways that many families help loved ones to see that they need help is through an intervention.
How to Hold an Intervention
An intervention is a meeting between loved ones and the person with substance use disorder to help them see that they have a problem, that help is available, and that they are not alone. Before conducting an intervention for a loved one struggling with drug addiction, it is imperative to make comprehensive preparations and maintain a positive outlook. To begin, assemble a group of individuals who care about the individual, such as close family members, supportive friends, and helpful colleagues. You have the option of devising the strategy on your own or seeking assistance from a skilled interventionist.
To successfully organize an intervention, the first step is to choose a date, time, and location. Ensure that everyone feels secure and at ease. Everyone who attends should make a list of ways that they have been affected by the person’s substance use. Then, specify what you’re willing to do to help.
However, it’s also crucial to establish boundaries, devise a plan, and establish consequences for actions that you will take if the person refuses help. You must be willing to follow through with your ultimatums. For example, you could state that you will no longer give the person money to buy or rides to get drugs. If the person does not go to rehab, you have to be willing to hold your bottom line.
Involuntary Commitment
Involuntary civil commitment (ICC) is an alternative strategy that can be used as a last resort to get someone into rehab. More than 70% of states in the U.S. have enacted ICC statutes. Under these statutes, individuals who represent a threat to themselves or others are eligible to be temporarily remanded to receive treatment.
You must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is a danger to themselves or others. Involuntary commitment requires a significant quantity of evidence and may take a considerable amount of time to complete. If you aren’t sure about whether ICC is an option where you live, your local law enforcement may be able to answer questions. Keep in mind that the laws that regulate involuntary commitment in your state may be subject to change; as a result, it is essential to stay current on any new developments.
When Is the Best Time to Talk to Someone About Rehab?
Having a conversation with someone about their drug or alcohol use is never easy. Hold the conversation in a comfortable place where everyone will feel at ease. Try to schedule it at a time when you think that they will be sober.
Everyone helping with the intervention must remain calm. Be sure that everyone involved in the intervention knows their roles and the ultimate goal before it begins. Doing background research on the treatment facility that you’re considering can be beneficial. The best way to formulate a workable strategy is to consult a trained counselor, psychologist, social worker, or mediator. Pick a time and place, and commit to it.
Be Ready to Address Any Questions
Doing homework on the various therapy options available before settling on one is essential. The person will have a lot of questions, and they will be looking for any excuse not to go, so be sure to have logistics nailed down ahead of time such as:
- Where the treatment facility is
- How long they will need to be there
- What they can bring with them
- The facility’s visitor policy
- What day-to-day life is like
When you’re planning the intervention, a substance abuse hotline is a great resource. You can find the answers to all of these questions and more when you call 866-312-5581. A caring, compassionate counselor will provide you with all the answers you need to help your loved one understand why going to treatment is the best thing for them.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Substance dependence is a significant problem in the United States, influencing millions of adults and posing a threat to public health and social well-being. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly three-quarters of adults with SUD struggled with alcohol consumption, which can have severe health consequences.
Severe mental illness is a chronic condition that substantially impairs a person’s ability to function and may be persistent. Substance abuse frequently co-occurs with mental disorders, resulting in complex treatment requirements and difficulties. The estimation that 17 million adults had both a substance use disorder and a mental illness highlights the significant overlap between substance abuse and mental health disorders, also known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.
This co-occurrence presents diagnostic, therapeutic, and recuperative difficulties that are unique. In 2020, 50% of people aged 12 and above used alcohol within the previous month, illustrating the pervasive nature of alcohol consumption in our culture. It is essential to promote responsible drinking, raise awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, and offer assistance to your loved one battling alcoholism. Compared to adolescents aged 12 to 17, adults aged 18 to 25 and 26 or older had higher rates of alcohol consumption.
The correlation between major depressive episodes (MDE) and substance use disorder among 12 to 17-year-olds highlighted the connection between mental health and substance abuse, particularly in vulnerable populations. Early intervention and support are essential for addressing these co-occurring issues and preventing long-term adverse effects.
Getting Help for Your Loved One Dealing With Drug and Alcohol Addiction
If you have a loved one struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, it’s essential to know that treatment options are available to help them on their journey to recovery. Seeking professional help is crucial in effectively addressing addiction as the road to recovery is rarely a straight one.
The initial step toward treatment is encouraging a loved one to recognize their addiction. It is crucial to approach them with empathy, understanding, and without judgment, fostering an atmosphere where they feel secure and supported. There are a variety of treatment options and strategies that can help your loved one overcome addiction.
Detoxification
Detoxification refers to a series of therapies that treat severe withdrawal symptoms and eliminate poisons from the system of an acutely intoxicated and dependent client. Detoxification aims to reduce the negative physiological effects of substance misuse. It is typically the first step in addiction treatment. Under medical supervision, toxic substances are eliminated from the body. Medical professionals can provide medications and support to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making the process safe, pleasant, and feasible.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation programs provide intensive, structured treatment in a residential environment. This treatment provides individuals with a highly supportive environment to concentrate solely on their recovery. Depending on the facility, they can access therapy sessions, counseling, group support, and various holistic approaches.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient rehabilitation enables clients to continue living at home and carrying out their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment. These services include individual counseling, group therapy, educational workshops, and relapse prevention techniques. Outpatient treatment is optimal for individuals with less severe addictions or those transitioning from inpatient treatment.
Therapy and Counseling
Counseling and therapy are essential components of addiction treatment. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI), assist individuals in comprehending the underlying causes of their addiction, developing coping mechanisms, and learning relapse prevention techniques. Additionally, family therapy can be advantageous because it involves loved ones in the recovery process and helps rebuild relationships.
Support Groups
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) foster a sense of community and comprehension in their members. Typically, these organizations adhere to a 12-step program and provide peer support, mentoring, and accountability. Regular attendance at support group meetings can be extremely beneficial for long-term sobriety maintenance.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment can be used for the treatment of chemical dependencies, including opioid and alcohol addiction. Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can help individuals manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing them to concentrate on their recovery. MAT is typically used in conjunction with counseling and therapy for optimal effectiveness.
Aftercare and Continuing Support
Addiction recovery is ongoing, and aftercare is essential for long-term sobriety. Plans for aftercare may include continuous therapy, regular counseling sessions, participation in support groups, and access to community resources. Providing sustained support and understanding to your loved one during this phase is essential.
It’s crucial to have an optimistic outlook throughout the journey despite the difficulties and ambiguities that lie ahead. The influence of a loved one’s encouragement to seek assistance can be profound. Success is more likely if you first simplify the procedure into manageable chunks and then consult an expert if necessary by contacting 866-210-1303.