Getting a Loved One Help for Addiction

When you recognize the signs of substance use disorder (SUD), or addiction, in a loved one, it’s completely normal to feel confusion, fear, anger, panic, guilt… Many people feel a rush of emotions and aren’t sure where to start. Take a deep breath. Getting a loved one help for addiction isn’t a one size fits all scenario – as different people bring different factors into it. But we can provide some advice that will help you navigate this stage.

Getting a Loved One Help for Addiction

Once you have recognized the signs of addiction in a loved one, it’s important to know that help is out there. Addiction has a stigma, unfortunately, that it is a moral failing. That is not the case. It is a disorder of the brain. So, just as your next steps in other health scenarios would be turning to a professional, so should it be in the case of addiction.

Here are 6 tips for getting a loved one help for addiction.

Be Open to a Conversation

Often, people are afraid to have a conversation with a loved one that they can see is struggling with addiction. However, the best first step that you can take is being open to having that conversation. Getting deeper into their use – why are they using, how are they using, what are they feeling – can better prepare you for the next steps in getting a loved one help. Knowing the reasoning behind their use can help you in defining an approach that increases their motivation to get help.

Do Your Research

Take some time and learn about the types of addiction treatment available and your local treatment providers. There are many options for support from groups to advanced inpatient treatment centers like Wellbridge.

Learn more about what sets Wellbridge apart from other treatment programs.

Offer Support

Ask your loved one if they would like support in finding a treatment option that works for them. Let them know that you are there for them each and every step of the way and they have you to be part of their support system. By taking on some of the responsibility for getting a loved one help for addiction, you are ensuring that the task isn’t falling off the table.

Avoid Making Ultimatums

It may be tempting to make an ultimatum in the heat of the moment – “Get treatment or else!” However, it is better to remain calm and come from a place of caring and concern. It things start to escalate during the conversation, take a break and walk away from the conversation to clear your head for a bit.

Set Healthy Boundaries

While we encourage you to not put forth ultimatums, we do encourage family and friends of those battling addiction to create healthy boundaries for their own life. Like the saying goes, you can’t take care of someone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

One example of this may be stating that you’ll be there for them as they work towards recovery, but you will not have conversations with them when they are under the influence.

Getting Help for Addiction

If your loved one is ready for advanced inpatient treatment, contact Wellbridge today. We can discuss our treatment program – backed by evidenced based practices – and the admission process, as well as our Family program that supports you as a supportive role in your loved one’s life!

Learn more about our comprehensive Family Program.