How to Help a Loved One into Rehab

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A substance use disorder can occur when taking almost any type of drug, which includes everything from prescription medications to heroin and cocaine. If someone close to you has started taking too many drugs, it’s important to understand that all of the signs that you have noticed that point to a substance use disorder may be entirely overlooked by this individual. When you have questions about substance use disorders or want to find out more about the treatment options available to you, contact The National Rehab Hotline at 866-210-1303 for free information at any time of the day. With this hotline, you or your loved one can gain support, advice, resources, and guidance pertaining to any kind of substance use disorder.

If you suspect that a relative has started regularly taking drugs, we can help you understand the signs and symptoms that typically accompany a substance use disorder. We can also detail the difference between outpatient treatment and inpatient rehab, which is essential to understand before helping your friend or family member seek further treatment. Call the hotline today to speak with one of our knowledgeable advisors.

When a person takes too much cocaine or heroin, changes will begin to take root in his or her brain, which makes his or her body more dependent on the drug to properly function. As dependency on a drug grows, the affected individual will become less likely to admit that he or she has a problem. Whether the individual doesn’t understand the severity of the disorder or doesn’t believe that it has negatively affected them, it’s important that your loved one seeks help as quickly as possible. Long-term drug use can lead to a wide range of serious side effects that include memory loss, mood swings, and hallucinations.

The health problems that are brought about by persistent drug use can also be accompanied by financial problems, relationship problems, and being unable to complete everyday responsibilities. An effective way to mitigate the side effects and the symptoms of a substance use disorder is to obtain treatment via a rehab program. Despite the necessity of treatment, many people who are suffering from a substance use disorder refuse to enter rehab. While it can be difficult to help a loved one enter a rehab program, there are numerous steps that you can take to simplify this process and to increase the likelihood that your loved one responds positively to the idea of treatment.

What to Do When Someone Refuses to Enter Rehab

The best option when you’re trying to get your loved one to enter rehab is for him or her to do so voluntarily, which should make it easier for that individual to acclimate to the new setting. However, there’s always a chance that your loved one won’t agree to enter rehab even when his or her substance use disorder is worsening. It’s very difficult for anyone who is going through a substance use disorder to admit that there is a problem. In some situations, an involuntary commitment may be necessary.

While involuntary commitment can have some adverse effects on the individual who enters rehab, the risk can be reduced substantially by admitting the individual to a reputable facility that has delivered consistent results. It’s often better to consider involuntary commitment if the affected individual would continue to hurt himself or herself without treatment. Make sure that you look into every option before deciding on a course of action.

Host an Intervention

If you want to avoid seeking an involuntary commitment for your loved one, it’s highly recommended that you look into hosting an intervention. The purpose of an intervention is to help the affected individual admit that he or she is suffering from a substance use disorder and that treatment is necessary. If you attempt to have an informal chat with your loved one about the importance of rehab, it may be easy for him or her to brush off the conversation without taking a hard look at the situation. Interventions are more focused and structured, which increases the possibility that your loved one will finally seek help.

An intervention is a planned meeting that can involve several friends and family members. Consider seeking the assistance of an intervention professional if you want to avoid making a critical mistake while the intervention is occurring. During the intervention, everyone in attendance should confront the affected individual. This confrontation is designed to make sure that your loved one understands the consequences of continuing to take drugs without seeking treatment.

Your focus during an intervention should be to:

• Provide the individual with a structured treatment plan that includes clear goals, guidelines, and steps to following during the recovery process
• Provide precise examples of damaging behaviors by the individual and how these behaviors have impacted you and anyone else at the intervention
• Make sure that the individual understands what will happen to him or her if he or she continues taking drugs, which could involve anything from worsening health issues to severe financial problems
• Every person at the intervention should tell your loved one what he or she will do if treatment is refused

Even though you’re confronting your loved one, it’s important that you speak to the individual in a kind and loving manner. Try to avoid raising your voice or becoming too angry. However, you must still be direct about the consequences that will occur if your loved one doesn’t obtain treatment following the intervention. Once your loved one understands all of the options, he or she may be more receptive to treatment. However, interventions don’t always produce results. Even if a professional hosts the intervention for you, your loved one could still refuse help.

In this situation, it’s important that you follow through with the consequences that you spoke about during the intervention. If you told the individual that he or she would need to find another place to live if he or she didn’t attend treatment, you’ll need to follow through. If your loved one believes that he or she can continue taking drugs without any tangible consequences, he or she will almost certainly continue to avoid treatment.

Consider Involuntary Commitment

In the event that the intervention you held wasn’t successful, one option you could consider is an involuntary commitment. This option is best used if you’re confident that your loved one is a danger to others or to himself or herself as a result of the substance use disorder. At the moment, involuntary commitment is legal in 37 states.

Of these states, Montana and Rhode Island only allow involuntary commitment for alcohol use disorders. On the other hand, Vermont only allows involuntary commitment for substance use disorders. The other 34 states allow involuntary commitment for both alcohol use disorders and substance use disorders. Before you work on getting your loved one into rehab via involuntary commitment, it’s important to understand that the process for doing so differs from state to state.

In Florida, involuntary commitment is possible through the Marchman Act. In most cases, the process for having someone committed to rehab involuntarily is a lengthy one that requires you to provide ample evidence that proves that the affected individual could potentially harm himself or herself or others if treatment does not begin.

Step-By-Step Process for Getting a Loved One Into a Rehab Program

If you’d like a step-by-step approach for getting your loved one into a rehab program, the following guidelines should make it easier for you to start the process.

Step 1: Understand the Warning Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

The only way for you to help your loved one enter rehab is by first noticing that he or she is suffering from a substance use disorder. Over time, the signs and symptoms will likely become more apparent. However, identifying these symptoms early on may allow your loved one to obtain treatment before he or she experiences severe side effects from taking too many drugs. While the adverse health effects of regular drug use can differ depending on the drug, the main symptoms of a substance use disorder include:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Rambling speech
• Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nasal congestion
• Unexplained mood swings
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Dilated pupils

The health effects of consistent drug use aren’t always easy to notice. If your loved one is attempting to conceal a substance use disorder, there are some other behaviors that you should be on the lookout for, which include:

• Taking a higher dosage of a prescription drug
• Maintaining a drug supply
• Failing when attempting to stop taking the drug
• Being affected by adverse withdrawal symptoms after stopping use of the drug
• Spending too much money on obtaining drugs, which could result in a failure to meet financial obligations
• Failing to meet work and school responsibilities
• Becoming withdrawn and less sociable
• Hanging out with a different group of friends
• Stealing or committing similar crimes

If you happen to notice any of these behaviors or symptoms, it’s important that you speak with your loved one about entering rehab.

Step 2: Talk With Your Loved One About Rehab

When you notice some of the main signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder, it’s time to speak with your loved one about the possibility of entering rehab. If they agree to enter rehab, your next step would be to research all of the treatment options at your disposal. In the event that they say no to the idea of rehab, you may want to host an intervention.

Step 3: Consider Every Potential Treatment Option

When you’re researching different treatment options, some of the questions that you should ask yourself include:

• Is medical detoxification necessary? Will inpatient or outpatient rehab be a better solution?
• What is the length of the program?
• Where is the treatment center located?
• What kind of treatment methodology would your loved one prefer?
• Do you need to consider financing options?

For the different treatment methodologies, keep in mind that each facility or program differs in its approach. While some treatment centers take a faith-based approach to treatment, other facilities focus on providing patients with treatment for co-occurring disorders that involve mental health issues. The treatment center you choose depends on the approach that works best for your loved one.

Step 4: Speak With an Experienced Counselor or Therapist

If you’re trying to get your loved one into rehab, make sure that you have all of the details beforehand. You’ll want to work out all of the logistics for treatment financing, travel, and any other treatment details before approaching your loved one about rehab. Speak with an experienced counselor or therapist to learn more about these details and how to arrange them.

Step 5: Consider Holding an Intervention

As mentioned previously, your loved one may require an intervention to finally admit that they’re suffering from a substance use disorder. When planning an intervention, your main concern should be about how to confront your loved one without judging him or her or and without being too angry. If you decide to host an intervention, this process can go smoother if you hire an intervention professional and if you already know which rehab program your loved one will enter.

Step 6: Provide Your Loved One With Understanding and Support

In order for your loved one to enter rehab without being committed involuntarily, it’s important that you show this individual that you love him or her, support him or her, and understand what he or she is going through. You should take the same approach when your loved one starts treatment. Whenever you have the opportunity to speak with the individual, positive reinforcement can go a long way toward keeping your loved one focused on the benefits of recovery.

Step 7: Look Into Aftercare Options

The recovery process doesn’t end once your loved one completes a rehab program. In the immediate days and weeks following treatment, your loved one will be tasked with re-entering the real world and dealing with many of the responsibilities that may have caused him or her to take drugs in the first place. Along with the support that you and other family members provide to this individual, you might also want to look into an aftercare program, which could involve anything from individual counseling to group therapy.

Call The National Rehab Hotline today at 866-210-1303 if you have any questions about substance use disorders or the resources that will help you get sober.

How to Help a Loved One in a Mental Health Crisis

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.