Can I Convince a Loved One to Enter Rehab?

Many intervention strategies can help you convince a loved one they need rehab or address their substance use disorder.

But what is the most effective approach? Is there a way to assist without causing further damage? Is there a way to plan an intervention and convince your loved one without worsening the situation?

These questions are common if you have loved ones struggling with substance use. Often these emotions and desires can take a toll on you when discussing the possibility of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.

It is vital to learn different approaches to convince them of their needs without increasing the risks of unfavorable responses or harmful situations.

Planning Can Change Everything

As you know, substance use disorder is a challenge. It is vital to remember not to approach the topic too aggressively. Instead, it is essential to plan an approach and stage an appropriate discussion on recovery.

Substance use changes the mindset, altering an individual's behaviors and reactions. With this, it is best to avoid a harmful scenario and better prepare yourself for the challenge of the conversation. Having a practical approach through planning is the first step of action.

Consider Your Education and Support Group

Now that you are in the process of planning your approach to your loved one, it is crucial to consider how educated you are on the matter and if you have a support group to back you up. There is so much information based around stigmas of substance use, and you may get the wrong information and address the substance use disorder incorrectly.

It is vital to increase your knowledge on substance abuse treatment while building support groups to help you effectively begin talks with your loved one regarding the recovery process.

Furthermore, when you have a support group at your disposal, they can serve as helpful participants in the intervention. For example, an addiction recovery specialist will give you insights regarding how to stage an intervention effectively, as well as the right and wrong things to consider. You want to avoid a condescending tone or pointing fingers, which promotes shame.

Individuals who struggle with substance use will often feel vulnerable, especially when discussing treatment. You and others around you need to remain proactive and acknowledge the potential for confrontation if you plan to do a face-to-face intervention. There are also alternatives as you can discreetly and indirectly suggest the idea of recovery to your loved one or allow an outside influence to ignite the idea.

Your Self-Care, Your Objective, and Your Emotions

Before you open up communication about rehab, it is vital to ensure you take the proper steps to promote your self-care. Your objective is to help your loved one find healing and support for their substance use disorder, and this alone can be an emotional roller coaster for you.

Therefore, taking the right approach for yourself by implementing self-care techniques, identifying your goals, and keeping your emotions intact can serve as the best defense mechanisms in recovery communication.

Sometimes when posed with the idea of rehab, loved ones will have a closed mindset. This reaction is often especially true when their friends and family mention the proposition of entering rehab. Often, some people will regress and start using more. Again, this can afflict your emotions and overall objective because you care and love the person involved.

When you promote your self-care and identify objectives while keeping your emotions in check, you are indirectly showing your loved one there is something different going on. They may ask questions about what you are doing or why you suddenly had a revelation that brought a sense of newfound happiness and clarity. This time can be used as a great introduction to seed the rehab conversation. It is advised to discuss this option with a recovery specialist as they will help you uncover the right words to say and the confidence to say them.

When You Feel Lost, Reach Out for Help

Even though you have prepared and identified every element of staging an intervention approach, there are still going to be moments where you feel lost. It is essential during these times to remember that you are not alone.

You do not need to take the substance use disorder on as if it is your own, and perhaps most importantly, remember that it is not your fault. There are other reasons why the substance use disorder began and is continuing in the life of your loved one. 

Convincing A Loved One Is Hard … But Not Impossible.

The Forge Recovery Center can help you find the right treatment program for your loved one and advise you in the right direction. There is an effective way to discuss rehab options with your loved one that is the most appropriate for their situation. When you understand how to approach the subject of rehab with your loved one, you do not have to go it alone.

Reach out to us to get more information on how you can convince your loved one to consider getting help, or if you need guidance on finding effective treatment options, call The Forge Recovery Center today.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 11, 2022