Watching a friend or loved one struggle with drug addiction is a devastating experience. It can leave you feeling hopeless as someone you care about deeply loses touch with themselves and rapidly begins to decline. There is however, light at the end of the tunnel; it’s not as hopeless as you might think. In this article, we’re going to share some tips on how to encourage a loved one to tackle their substance abuse problem head-on and check into a rehab facility.
How To Get Someone Into Rehab: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Leave judgment at the door
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Educate yourself on the nature of addiction
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Better understand the drug they are abusing
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Consider a one-to-one discussion before planning an intervention
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Adopt a non-confrontational approach
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Remind them of how much you care
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Encourage them to seek treatment, showing readiness to support them.
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Come prepared with a rehab facility and treatment plan in mind
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Consider hiring a professional interventionist or consulting an addiction specialist.
Recognising Addiction
Recognising addiction is a crucial step in helping a loved one overcome their struggles with substance abuse. Addiction can manifest in different ways, and it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms to provide timely support.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can lead to physical, emotional, and behavioural changes in an individual. Some common signs and symptoms of substance abuse include:
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Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
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Increased irritability or mood swings
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Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
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Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance
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Increased secrecy or dishonesty
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Financial problems or unexplained expenses
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Changes in relationships or social interactions
These signs can be subtle at first but often become more pronounced as the addiction progresses. Being vigilant and recognising these symptoms early can make a significant difference in getting your loved one the help they need.
Types of Addiction: Drug, Alcohol, and Behavioural
Addiction can take many forms, including:
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Drug addiction: This includes addiction to prescription medications, illicit substances, or over-the-counter medications. Drug addiction can lead to severe health issues and disrupt every aspect of a person’s life.
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Alcohol addiction: Characterized by excessive drinking despite negative consequences, alcohol addiction can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. It often requires professional intervention and support to overcome.
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Behavioural addiction: This includes compulsive behaviours such as gambling, sex addiction, shopping addiction, or internet addiction. Behavioural addictions can be just as damaging as substance addictions, affecting mental health and relationships.
Understanding the different types of addiction can help you identify the specific challenges your loved one is facing and tailor your support accordingly.
Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Loved Ones
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it has a profound impact on loved ones, including family members, friends, and colleagues. Some common effects of addiction on loved ones include:
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Emotional distress and stress: Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining.
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Financial strain or burden: Addiction often leads to financial problems, which can place a significant burden on family members.
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Social isolation or withdrawal: Loved ones may withdraw from social activities due to the stigma associated with addiction.
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Feelings of guilt, shame, or helplessness: It’s common for loved ones to feel guilty or ashamed about the situation, even though it’s not their fault.
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Difficulty setting boundaries or enabling behaviours: Loved ones may struggle to set healthy boundaries, sometimes allowing the addiction to occur unintentionally.
Recognising these impacts can help you approach the situation with empathy and provide the necessary support for both the addicted individual and yourself.
How to Tell if Someone Needs Rehabilitation
Drug abuse can quickly take its toll on a person. What may have started out as some recreational fun can soon spiral and take control of a person’s life. Recognizing the signs of a substance use disorder is a critical step in identifying the need for rehab and the willingness to begin treatment, including understanding withdrawal symptoms, which are a clear indicator of substance dependence that requires professional intervention. Fortunately, the early warning signs are quite easy to spot – if you know what to look for. So, how do you tell if someone you love needs drug rehabilitation?
Let’s take a look at some different drugs and how they can affect a person.
Alcohol
Alcohol addiction is more common than you think and often something that goes overlooked. For those who struggle with alcohol abuse, staying sober can be quite a challenge. Here are some signs that a loved one may need alcohol rehabilitation:
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Drinking excessively (every day or every other day)
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Visible weight loss from drinking over eating (with a noticeably bloated ‘beer belly’)
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Dry skin, brittle hair, and the appearance of ageing
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Broken blood vessels on the face and nose
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Yellow eyes and skin (due to liver damage)
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Poor hygiene
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Often needing to drink more to get drunk
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Continuing to drink despite any problems caused
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Frequently falling out with people or getting into trouble while drunk (abusive behaviour)
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Skipping work due to being hungover
These are just a handful of the symptoms, with the long-term effects being much more severe. If someone that you care about ticks six or more symptoms off this list then it’s a clear sign that they have a severe addiction and require alcohol rehab.
Marijuana
Here are some signs of addiction to marijuana:
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Strong cravings
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A loss of interest in activities (often neglecting passions)
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Irritability
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Trouble sleeping
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Restlessness
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Anxiety
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Hiding drug paraphernalia
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Paranoia
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Memory issues
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Frequently missing work / school (inability to fulfil commitments)
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Financial instability
Unlike substance addictions, behavioural addiction such as gambling or shopping may require different therapeutic approaches.
If someone that you care about is starting to neglect their responsibilities and commitments, it can soon become a serious problem in their lives. Marijuana has a way of immobilising people and eating away at their ambition and if they are displaying the above signs, it might be worth thinking about checking them into an addiction treatment centre. Additionally, if there are signs of underlying mental health issues, accessing appropriate mental health services is crucial for a comprehensive recovery.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Here are some signs of addiction to MDMA:
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Frequently going out and coming home in the early hours of the morning
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Using MDMA in dangerous situations
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Passing on important events
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Frequently missing work due to late nights and feeling unwell
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The addicted individual goes out of their way to get hold of their drug
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Staying awake for days at a time
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Dilated pupils
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Sweating
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Mood swings
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Paranoia
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Impulsivity
When someone is addicted to MDMA it can fast deteriorate into a serious problem, not to mention the effects it can have on a person’s mental health. Drug or alcohol addiction on their own can be dangerous, but often people take MDMA and consume alcohol together, making the long-term damages even worse.
Cocaine
Here are some signs of addiction to cocaine:
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Loss of appetite
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Staying awake for days at a time
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Often acting hyper and overly exited
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Paranoia
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Frequently missing or being late to work
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Irritability
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Depression
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Financial troubles
Ketamine
Here are some signs of addiction to ketamine:
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Issues with relationships
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Spend a lot of time and effort trying to acquire the drug
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Lack of control over use
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Ignoring obligations and responsibilities
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Depression
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Slowed movement
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Slurred speech
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Psychotic episodes
LSD (Acid)
Here are some signs of addiction to LSD:
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Loss of appetite
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Staying awake for days at a time
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Sweating
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Anxiety / panic attacks
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Memory loss
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Lack of motivation
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Difficulty concentrating
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Paranoia
Heroin
Here are some signs of addiction to heroin:
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Depression
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Mood swings
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Hostility toward others
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Irritability
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Scabs and bruising on the skin
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Lying about drug use
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Avoiding friends and family
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Lack of commitment
What are the Treatment Options for Addiction Treatment?
There are several different treatment options for drug addiction, each one with varying levels of success, depending on the individual. An addiction treatment centre plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, offering a range of services from detoxification to therapy and aftercare. Facilitating successful addiction recovery is a key objective of these centres. Treatment providers tend to tailor their rehabilitation programmes to the individual and, for them to be successful, the addicted person must accept the right treatment willingly. It’s important to consider both inpatient and outpatient drug treatment options to manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery, especially since inpatient treatment can offer specific benefits for those with severe addiction issues by providing a structured environment and constant medical supervision.
Here are some of the treatment options for drug addiction:
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Detoxification: through medically assisted detox (often requiring partial hospitalisation), a person suffering from drug use can cleanse their bodies of drugs or alcohol. Medical detox is a critical initial step in the rehabilitation process, ensuring safety and comfort under professional supervision. Not only is this incredibly dangerous absent the proper medical supervision, but other treatments will likely need to be used in addiction in order to get to the bottom of the addiction and what may have caused it in the first place.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy: CBT is a valuable tool that can be used to treat a wide variety of addictive behaviours. It is designed to help a person to recognise their unhealthy behaviours and also identify triggers and develop coping skills. Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is another significant option in the comprehensive recovery process, addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.
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Rational emotive behaviour therapy: REBT is intended to help an individual recognise patterns of negative thinking and adopt new coping mechanisms to overcome feelings of self-defeat rather than pursue dangerous self-medication through drugs.
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12-step programmes: 12-step programmes like the one alcoholics anonymous is famous for can help people stay sober by joining and regularly attending a support group with other addicted individuals. A tailored treatment programme is essential for addressing the specific needs and circumstances of each individual.
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Contingency management: CM is a form of treatment that reinforces positive behaviour (e.g., abstaining from drugs) with tangible rewards.
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Treatment with medication: medication can play a crucial role in a person’s recovery from abusing drugs, particularly if they are addicted to heroin and other incredibly harmful and addictive substances such as benzodiazepines. Certain medications can be used to reduce the painful symptoms of withdrawal and decrease addictive behaviours. Often, medication is used alongside various other treatments, such as psychiatric care.
Approaching the Addicted Person
Approaching a loved one with a drug or alcohol addiction can be challenging, but it’s essential to do so with compassion and understanding.
How to Talk to Someone with a Drug or Alcohol Addiction
When talking to someone with a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s essential to:
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Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding: Show that you care about their well-being and are there to support them.
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Avoid blaming or shaming language: Focus on the behavior and its impact rather than making the person feel guilty or ashamed.
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Focus on the impact of their addiction on their life and relationships: Help them see how their addiction is affecting their health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
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Encourage them to seek professional help or support: Offer to help them find resources or support groups that can assist in their recovery.
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Offer to help them find resources or support groups: Be proactive in providing information and support to make the process easier for them.
Some examples of how to start the conversation include:
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“I’m worried about your health and well-being, and I want to support you in getting help.”
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“I’ve noticed some changes in your behavior, and I’m concerned that you might be struggling with addiction.”
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“I care about you and want to help you overcome your addiction. Can we talk about what’s going on?”
Remember that approaching someone with a drug or alcohol addiction requires sensitivity and compassion. It’s essential to prioritize their well-being and safety throughout the conversation. By showing that you care and are willing to support them, you can help them take the first step towards recovery.
How to get Someone into Rehab if they ask you for Help
One of the best things that you can hope for is a loved one to come to you for help, as opposed to you trying to convince them to seek substance abuse treatment against their will. That being said, just because someone asks you for help, it doesn’t mean that they won’t get cold feet or change their mind before you can get them booked into a treatment centre. The crucial role of family members in this process cannot be overstated, as their support is essential in encouraging their loved one’s decision to seek help and enter rehab.
The best thing to do is act fast and contact an addiction specialists. The sooner they can sit down and receive professional treatment advice, the sooner you can book them into a rehab clinic.
Caring and compassionate staff will guide you through the process as well. You can find the appropriate treatment locations and help your friends and family members receive all the support they need to enter treatment and work toward overcoming their addiction for good.
How to Convince Someone they Need to go into Residential Rehab
Convincing someone you care about to go into rehab, seek addiction treatment, and take part in the recovery process is one of the hardest things to do. A) because it is never nice seeing someone that you love suffer, and B) because broaching such a sensitive subject with someone who is likely unwilling to accept that they have a substance abuse problem is a minefield of its own. In any case, there are ways to increase your chance at success when talking to someone about drug rehab programmes:
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Try not to be too judgemental.
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Understand addiction and recognise that it is a disease and not an individual failing
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Educate yourself on the nature of addiction. You’ll want to be prepared with the facts before broaching the subject
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Consider a one-on-one discussion before bringing the whole family in for an intervention
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Ask the right questions (e.g., how can I help you?)
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Remind them of how much you care
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Don’t give them ultimatums
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Make sure it is their decision
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Go in prepared with a rehab treatment facility in mind
Consider discussing the benefits of residential rehab, which provides a structured environment and constant medical supervision.
Remember that there is a strong likelihood that the addicted loved one is going to deny having a problem. Expect to face resistance and perhaps even some irritability and abuse. Try not to force the subject too hard and perhaps circle back in a week if you don’t have much luck.
The other option is to explore professional intervention.
What is the most Effective Intervention for Substance Abuse?
Intervention works differently from individual to individual. If you are looking for the most effective form of intervention for substance abuse, the prospect of joining a rehab programme has to be the addicted individual’s idea. Inpatient rehab is often considered the most effective option for treating addiction, allowing individuals to focus entirely on their recovery in a controlled environment. In some cases, as a last resort, families may consider the use of involuntary commitment laws, which vary by state and typically require evidence of persistent drug or alcohol use and a clear danger to oneself or others.
Approach with care and compassion, listen to what your loved one has to say, and allow them to draw the conclusion themselves.
Can you Force Someone into Rehab Against their Will?
You can certainly try, but involuntary commitment for drug and alcohol addiction is often a waste of time. The critical aspect to rehab success is individual commitment. If someone does not want to go into rehab, then there is a good chance that the rehab programme will fail.
Indeed, if your child is under 18, then you can force them into involuntary rehab. However, this is not advised. It can be a last resort, but your best option is to try and convince them that rehab is in their best interest.
As for individuals over 18, forcing them into rehab is practically impossible and again, likely to fail.
The admissions process works best when the addicted person wants to recover from drug use. That way, when they receive life-changing care, they will be more susceptible to the support system put in place, and recovery is far more achievable.
The only other way that a person can be forced into rehab against their will is via court-ordered rehab. This is something that happens when someone who is struggling with drugs or alcohol continually gets into trouble with the law and is given the option of rehab or prison.
