Over 21 million Americans live with a substance abuse disorder. Yet, only around 10% of these individuals seek treatment.
This is a cause for concern, given that early treatment proves effective in helping those living with this disorder to get better. However, getting a loved one into treatment is not always easy.
If your loved ones are living with a condition, it is important to approach this subject with empathy and tact. In this article, we look at how to convince someone to go to rehab by exploring the dos and the don’ts of handling a sensitive situation like this.
- Do Your Research
Before you have any conversations surrounding rehab, it is important to get accurate information regarding the mental illness your loved one is living with. This will help you recognize the severity of the issue and be more understanding of what’s going on.
Do your research, learn about the facilities offered by rehabilitation centers, and find out what your options are before presenting any suggestions. Also remember that no matter how much research you do, mental illness is a subjective experience.
- Understand and Acknowledge Your Limitations
It is unfortunate, but there is no way to force someone into wanting to get better. It is a deep, internal process that must come from them.
You can, of course, support them and lend a listening ear, but it is important to understand there is only so much you can do. Do remember to set realistic expectations for yourself and recognize their refusal to seek treatment is neither your fault nor theirs. It is simply an unfortunate reality of addiction and mental illness.
That being said, if you do feel like they are a threat to either themselves or the people around them, seek professional help or external intervention immediately.
- Convey Empathy and Understanding
When you’re trying to talk, it is important to keep empathy and compassion as the foundation for your conversation. Yes, it can get frustrating, but you must remember that patience and support go much farther than judgment.
It is important to stay clear of blame and negative language as much as possible.
Make it known that you do not judge them for what they are experiencing and let them know you care for and support them. You want to ensure you’re presenting all your advice as suggestions and being open to what they have to say as well.
Accusations, instructions, or orders immediately put most people on the defense. Ask open-ended questions, give them a lot of space to speak, and avoid criticism as much as possible.
Simultaneously, do take time to address your own emotions in a healthy way. Talking to a trusted friend, or a therapist can help you cope with some of the frustration or exhaustion you feel.
- Take a Solution-Oriented Approach
There are many reasons why someone might be unwilling to go to rehab. What you can do is try to understand what it is that is preventing them from seeking treatment.
Is it financial constraints? Is it the fear of being judged? Or perhaps it’s the unwillingness to accept that there is a problem.
Ask open-ended questions and let them speak in a safe, non-judgmental space. Once they have communicated what specifically prevents them from going to rehab you will be in a better position to work through possible solutions and make them comfortable with the idea.
- Seek Assistance
Convincing someone who doesn’t want treatment to go to rehab is not an easy job at all. That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to seek additional intervention when necessary.
Do reach out to other people for advice. If you know someone who had treatment for a similar condition, it can be beneficial to talk to them and ask them for their advice.
You can also reach out to a qualified therapist or psychiatrist to get their opinion on the matter and seek their help. Similarly, if the family or friends of this person are aware of these issues, it is also advisable to talk to them about your next course of action.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some people may need medical detox depending on the severity of their addiction and symptoms. Expert medical opinion can help in convincing someone that it is time for them to consider rehab for their addictions.
- How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab Through an Intervention
An intervention involves the meeting of close friends and family. When you’re planning an intervention, be sure to only include people who are loved and trusted by the person living with the addiction. Make sure that they’ve all done their research and understand the importance of being empathic and non-judgmental in their tone and message.
Everyone must have their messages prepared, to ensure that there are no slip-ups.
Next, choose a space that allows for comfort and safety.
Be prepared to follow up with them and ask them to convey their thoughts and feelings about the subject. Do remember that all interventions are not successful. It is important to set realistic expectations.
Learn More About Treatment Centers
Rehabilitation centers can seem like unknown, foreboding places to someone who is unwilling to seek treatment. Knowing how to convince someone to go to rehab can help address the discomfort they feel.
Additionally, learning more about rehabilitation centers and the programs they offer are a great way to make the idea seem less threatening to someone who is not at ease with the arrangement.
At Cenikor, we offer a variety of in patient and outpatient treatment programs that are designed to help those living with substance use disorders get on the road to recovery. Learn more about the various programs we offer or set up a consultation with our mental health experts today!
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