Cases of drug abuse like alcohol are rife in modern society. You might be aware of people in your midst that are struggling with alcohol addiction but are not open to the idea of going to rehab. It is usually not easy for such people to agree to give up alcoholism or other drug abuse. Stamping out addiction is no mean feat, but you can let your loved ones ruin their lives as you watch. It begs the question – are there ways of convincing your loved ones to go to rehab? Here are ways you can use to convince someone to go to rehab.
Get your Facts about the Addiction Right
The first thing would be to take time and educated yourself about drug abuse or addiction. Getting acquainted with the underlying problem will make it easier for you to engage the person in a meaningful way. Try to understand the causes, the dangers of drug abuse, and the treatment options available. Since you will want to encourage the person to go for a rehab, you will need to understand what a rehab program does and what it will be able to achieve. You can go a notch higher and research the rehab centers you are targeting. The idea is to engage your loved one from an informed point of view. You will be able to politely confront them with facts in instances where they become unreceptive and defensive.
Plan to Meet the Person One-On-One
Taking to the person one-on-one is more effective than speaking to them on the phone. You can go with a few family members that you feel will help. Planning well for intervention is essential to make it more impactful. You can consult a counselor or an intervention specialist to give you leads on how to approach it. Choose a time when your loved one is sober and when you think that might not be very busy. When you meet the person, it is advisable to talk to them in a polite and civil manner so that they can feel respected. If your loved one does not buy the idea of rehab, you should know in advance how you will counter their views.
Don’t be Judgmental
People who have not battled addiction may find it hard to fathom how a person struggles with addiction. As you try to convince your loved ones to go for rehab, don’t be judgmental, as that will only make matters worse. The addict could raise a valid point like what makes them drink too much, and it is hence good to listen without dismissing their views. The danger of judgmental remarks is that they can make the talk collapse. When they are venting to you, you should take that time to listen well so that to understand their predicament. You should be empathetic and show them that your concerns come from the love you have for them. Use “I” statements as opposed to “you” when talking about the issue. The way you frame your statements is important so that to avoid sounding judgmental.
Control your Emotions
When talking to them, don’t let emotions get better of you. Seeing how your loved one has sunk into the addiction can evoke anger, shame, or disappointment to the point of making you want to react due to emotions. This can be counterproductive and make the conversation not bear fruits. While it is natural for one to become emotional, you should try to be objective throughout the conversation.
Professional Intervention Services
You can involve a professional addiction interventionist to guide the conversation. These are well-trained people who can ensure productive outcomes. They are trained in handling such cases and can help your loved one join a rehab program. You may use a professional interventionist if you have tried talking to your loved one and nothing is forthcoming. You may, however, need to brief the interventionist on the issue properly. It should be a concerted effort between you and the interventionist for the efforts to pay dividends. We understand that it is not easy to get your loved one on a rehab program, but every effort is worth it. If you have a family member who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, we can help overcome the addiction. Call us at 833-285-1315.
