How To Get A Family Member Into Rehab For Drugs And Alcohol?

People struggling with addiction will often deny the harmful effects that drugs or alcohol have on their lives and usually will not seek help on their own.

The power of an addictive substance can take over a person’s ability to recognize that there is a problem, which can further complicate family relationships. An observant family member who notices the progressive damage of addiction on their loved one is the best chance one can have in overcoming substance abuse. In this blog we will focus on the approach you can take to get your loved one into addiction rehab and onto a path of wellbeing.  

Recognizing The Problem. 

In many cases, an observant family member can be very effective and helpful to those who suffer from substance abuse. Physical changes are very often the first apparent signs of addiction of a loved one which manifest themselves in the form of personal neglect. These signs can include:  

• Malnutrition: weight loss. 
• Poor skin complexion, hair, and nail condition.
• Compulsive eating: weight gain.
• Development of sores on the face and body.
• Dilated pupils.
• Dental problems.   

The other changes that become apparent in those that suffer from addiction include emotional and behavioural changes. You can tell that a family member is addicted if they exhibit the following:

• Losing interest in things and activities once important to them: schoolwork or employment. 
• Lacking energy to take part in family events.
• Becoming depressed and having an overall negative outlook on life. 
• Displaying mood swings ranging from sudden to severe. 
• Losing employment, abandoning education. 
• Manifesting violence.
• Manifesting irritability.
• Experiencing paranoia and hallucinations. 
• Having erratic sleep patterns: staying awake all night or sleeping during the day.
• Experiencing suicidal thoughts and talking about suicide. 

“The Addicted Is Not The Enemy. The Substance Is.”

Confronting a loved one about their struggles with alcohol and drug abuse can take a heavy emotional toll on all parties involved. As you look at your family member in the throes of addiction, you can become upset and frustrated with their lack of initiative in getting better. At times, harsh criticism can not be avoided, however, your loved one will see your relentless reprimands as personal attacks and can further their dependence on drugs and alcohol as a result. Instead, consider the above quote and phrase your concerns against the substance being abused and not your family member. 

Saying  “You have a problem!” can make your family member defensive and reluctant to even listen. 

Instead, try to phrase your concerns by saying: 

“I am concerned by how alcohol/drugs have changed you and I would like for you to be happy and healthy again. I feel that you should get help so that you can overcome the substance abuse that is harming you.”

Get Familiar With Information On Substance Addiction.

Although the rates of addiction are increasing in the West, the support for those impacted is also on the rise in the form of online addiction literature. These days, there is an abundance of information online  which can help a concerned family member identify the addiction of a loved one. 

Gone are the days when blatant stigma was placed on the addicted individual by medical professionals. Instead, rehab therapy is an inclusive approach which focuses on the person’s cultural and social background in individual or group sessions. 

If you are aware of your loved one’s addiction or suspect substance abuse, please contact our knowledgeable staff today to discuss treatment options as a path to recovery.