When someone you love refuses to go to rehab, you may be tempted to go to any length possible to convince them to get help. One of the most effective steps you can take in convincing a loved one to go to rehab is hiring an interventionist and staging an addiction intervention.
Full Answer
What happens when an addict refuses to go to rehab?
Sometimes more drastic consequences are needed such as: moving out, taking away visitation rights, and/or contacting authorities. Effective consequences vary by person and the severity of the addiction. They should all matter enough that they motivate an addict who refuses treatment to reconsider and eventually agree to enter rehabilitation.
Can you commit someone to rehab for addiction?
But remember, although addiction is a vicious disease, no one is beyond recovery. Can you Commit Someone to Rehab? The law varies by state, but for example, in Alabama involuntary commitment for drug of alcoholism is not legal. Not only is it not legal, it may not work.
What to do when your loved one refuses addiction treatment?
If Your Loved One Refusing Treatment: 1 1. Intervention. We’re not talking the way that MTV glorifies interventions. Real, time-tested interventions which provide ultimatums to the addicted ... 2 2. Analyze Where You Are. 3 3. Positively Encourage Them. 4 4. When All Else Fails, Don’t Use Guilt. 5 5. Offer Support. More items
How long do you have to be in rehab for addiction?
The application can be made by family, relative, spouse, friend, or any other party. If the individual qualifies for forced rehab, they may be committed to 60 to 360 days, depending on the nature of the petition. Which States Have Involuntary Commitment Laws For Addiction Treatment?
What are the four steps involved in recovery from addiction?
The four stages of treatment are:Treatment initiation.Early abstinence.Maintaining abstinence.Advanced recovery.
How can you help someone who has an addiction problem?
7 Tips for Helping Someone with an AddictionTip #1: Educate Yourself. Get information about addictions. ... Tip #2: Get Support. ... Tip #3: Get Counseling. ... Tip #4: Seek Specialty Help. ... Tip #5: Don't Enable. ... Tip #6: Have Realistic Expectations. ... Tip #7: Take Care of Yourself.
What does it mean if a drug addict is in denial?
Denial is another way to ignore problems. When someone with a substance use or alcohol use disorder is in denial, it doesn't mean they can't see the way they're using alcohol and drugs. They may instead see the drugs and alcohol as an escape from their problems.
What are the most important factors for a person seeking recovery from an addiction?
Maintenance of Psychological and Emotional Wellness. There's a strong link that binds addiction, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that mental and emotional wellness are essential to a solid recovery program. Addressing the addiction without attending to any other dimensions of mental health is ineffective.
What are 5 things you can say if someone offers you drugs?
In a firm voice, tell the person you don't want to drink or use drugs. Say something like: "No, I'm sorry, but I don't use...." "No, I'm really trying to stay clean."...Say something like:"It's bad for my health.""I could lose my housing.""I have trouble when I use...."
What advice you can give to a friend who is addicted to drugs?
Help them stay focused on positive goals that don't include drugs. Support and acknowledge the positive things they do and achieve, and don't abandon your friend when they slip up – it will probably take time for them to turn things around.
What are the four kinds of denial?
DenialSimple denial occurs when someone denies that something unpleasant is happening. ... Minimization occurs when a person admits an unpleasant fact while denying its seriousness. ... Projection occurs when a person admits both the seriousness and reality of an unpleasant fact but blames someone else.
What is free floating denial?
a diffuse, chronic sense of uneasiness and apprehension not directed toward any specific situation or object. It may be a characteristic of a number of anxiety disorders, in particular generalized anxiety disorder.
What are the characteristics of addiction?
SymptomsAn inability to stop.Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep.Continuing despite negative consequences.Denial.Engaging in risky behaviors.Feeling preoccupied with the substance or behavior.Legal and financial problems.Losing interest in other things you used to enjoy.More items...•
What are the 3 P's of recovery?
3 “P's” for Recovery: Passion, Power and Purpose.
What is the so called first rule of recovery?
The first rule of recovery is that you must change your life. What do you need to change? If you understood the previous paragraph, then you need to change the way you relieve tension. Everyone needs to escape, relax, and reward themselves.
What is the first stage in the cycle of addiction?
The first step to addiction is trying the substance. It can be as fast as taking the first drink or smoking a cigarette. Or, people may have used drugs in the past without developing a dependency, but are now moving on to a more addictive substance.
When all else fails, don't use guilt?
When All Else Fails, Don’t Use Guilt. It’s very easy to mix up the thought of an ultimatum, and lecturing or guilting an addicted individual into ceasing their vice usage. Under no circumstances should you attempt to guilt them into quitting their addiction.
What is intervention therapy?
Interventions are designed to will the addict into becoming a patient; nobody who is forced to will heal on their own. Even if it comes with some pushing, an addict has to walk into that rehab via willpower. When it comes down to it, there are no surefire ways to reach the person that’s hiding inside.
How does intervention help a family?
It may take time to heal emotionally, but the risks and rewards of an intervention are absolutely necessary to draw the line in the sand. Interventions deliver ultimatums and allow the family to express their concerns and their emotional pain in a constructive manner.
Is denial helping anyone?
If you’re in denial, it’s not helping anyone. Even for those who haven’t dealt with a family member or a friend falling down the rabbit hole, it can be difficult to admit to yourself that their problems have gone on too long, and has become serious or life-threatening. While this doesn’t sound like it directly impacts the suffering addict, ...
Can doctors protect patients from addiction?
They’ll be better able to identify the issues and see past the excuses of the addict. Doctors will still protect doctor-patient confidentiality, but in their medical and professional opinions, they can also recommend courses of action to take, which can be very eye-opening for the addict.
Can withdrawal symptoms go with addiction?
While every single addiction is different, and potentially more harrowing than what you may find online, withdrawal symptoms and other synonymous aspects tend to go with their coupled addictions. It can help you prepare for the future and keep your eyes out for any signs of potential overdose.
What are the consequences of addiction?
This can be something as light as taking away internet privileges or removing drugs or alcohol from the household. Sometimes more drastic consequences are needed such as: moving out, taking away visitation rights, and/or contacting authorities. Effective consequences vary by person and the severity of the addiction. They should all matter enough that they motivate an addict who refuses treatment to reconsider and eventually agree to enter rehabilitation. Whatever boundaries you set, you must stick to them. The addict must understand that his or her substance abuse has wide-ranging effects.
What happens when you stop enabling?
When you stop enabling, an addict has the opportunity to not only see the consequences of drug or alcohol abuse but forces them to have to work harder to sustain their habit. Without your help, they can realize how much sway their addiction has on their actions and their life.
Is it easy to live with addiction?
It is not easy to live with addiction- even if you’re not the one abusing drugs or alcohol. You are not alone, however. Al-Anon and Narc-Anon are 12 Step programs designed for those with loved ones who are addicts. Teen support groups are often available in conjunction with these groups.
Is it legal to commit to drug rehab in Alabama?
The law varies by state, but for example, in Alabama involuntary commitment for drug of alcoholism is not legal. Not only is it not legal, it may not work. An approach where your loved one is involved in the rehab process may be more likely to have success.
Can you turn off your desire to use on your own?
These pleads are very hard to resist but do not loosen your resolve. A person who is addicted cannot turn off their desire to use on their own- they must seek treatment. Unless violent threats are made, ignore this emotional battery, and stick to the consequences. This is tough love.
Can someone with addiction commit to recovery?
Only the person with the addiction can commit to recovery. Even though he or she refuses treatment now, doesn’t mean they will in the future. In the meantime, don’t let addiction take over your life. Practice tough love and get help for yourself.
What to do if your loved one refuses treatment?
Below is a list of ten steps you can take if your loved one with an addiction refuses treatment. 1. Educate Yourself About the Disease of Addiction. The first thing you need to do when a family member struggles with alcohol or drug addiction is to educate yourself about the disease of addiction. Addiction is classified as a mental illness.
How to help someone with addiction?
Interventions help force your loved one to confront the impact of their addiction on themselves and the people who care about them. If your loved one is unwilling to agree to treatment, an intervention can be an impactful way to encourage them to make the right decision. 10. Take Care of Yourself. Ultimately, you can only control your own actions. ...
How does addiction affect the brain?
Addiction is a powerful disease that affects various parts of the brain. Therefore, you should let go of the expectation that your loved one is going to enter treatment because there are many defense mechanisms which arise from addiction that make it difficult to determine if your loved one is willing, or even ready, to begin recovery. When you sit down and share your concerns with your loved one about their addiction to alcohol or drugs, be prepared for the fallout, but never give up hope. Common defense mechanisms people with addictions use include:
What is the purpose of covering up for addiction?
Covering up for a loved one’s addiction is also another form of enabling. Perhaps you make excuses for your loved one’s absences at work, school, or family events. When you stop enabling someone with an addiction, they have the opportunity to fully face their consequences of their behavior.
What happens when someone refuses to stop using alcohol?
When someone refuses treatment, or refuses to acknowledge they have a problem, it is devastating to everyone who loves them and cares about them.
How to protect yourself from addiction?
Protect Yourself with Healthy Boundaries. In all of your relationships, it is important to have healthy boundaries, especially in a relationship with a loved one with an addiction. This involves taking care of yourself, understanding and valuing your needs and desires, and communicating clearly.
Can a loved one understand addiction?
Your loved one may not understand or deny that they have a problem with addiction. The more you understand addiction, the more you will be able to manage the situation. There is a vast array of information on addiction that you can consult to learn more.
Why is it so hard to get an addict into rehab?
Convincing an addict to go into rehab is hard because they obviously don’t want to go. What they want is to do is keep drinking or taking drugs. This must be kept in mind when confronting anyone who has developed an addiction. To some extent, if one is trying to get a family member into rehab, one is not talking to a family member at all, ...
How to get someone into rehab against their will?
Again, the answer to how to get someone into rehab against their will is to have a plan. One needs to understand and be able to describe detoxification, the difference between inpatient treatment and outpatient counseling, aftercare, and ongoing recovery meetings and techniques.
What happens if intervention conversation fails?
So, even if such an “intervention conversation” fails and the person refuses treatment, one may have “planted a seed” that bears fruit later. Timely finding a rehab and a suitable treatment is crucial. Addiction is a disease that may lead to death if no action is taken. Start to act today until it’s too late.
What happens when you struggle with addiction?
Persons who struggle with either alcohol or drug addiction tend to lose their ability to love and care about other people in their lives. Their whole focus becomes the addiction and finding ways to get high or get drunk. Trying to communicate with loved ones who have an addiction problem can be challenging. Read about how to get an addict ...
How to handle an addiction meeting?
Care and compassion are always the best approaches. Although it can be difficult, one should try to take a calm , loving, and compassionate approach to the meeting. Being angry and using harsh words is never productive. Remember that addiction is a disease. Help the person make connections.
How to help someone who is lost in a haze of substance abuse?
If they’re lost in a haze of substance abuse, chances are they really haven’t ever made the connection between that abuse and the impact it has on the people and things they love. Make tangible connections that help them to understand that they’ve changed.
How do drugs and alcohol affect the brain?
Drugs and alcohol change how the brain processes information , and if the person is under the influence, an addict almost certainly won’t be able to comprehend what one is trying to say.
What are Some Signs That Someone is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?
There are various signs that an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol. In order to be diagnosed with an SUD, there need to be two or more of the following criteria in a 12-month period: 2
How To Get a Loved One to Admit They Have a Substance Abuse Problem?
You may think that your loved one has a substance abuse problem but be unsure what to do next. You may wonder how to get someone to admit they are an alcoholic or that they have a drug addiction. Although you cannot force a loved one to admit their addiction, it is important that you communicate with them openly and honestly.
Checking Your Insurance Benefits
If you are looking for addiction treatment for a loved one, it can feel overwhelming. As you consider your options, knowing exactly what their insurance plan covers can give you peace of mind while your loved one is in rehab. They can do the work of getting and staying sober without worrying about unexpected costs or financial struggles.
What is a Rehab Center and How Can They Help?
An alcohol or drug treatment facility provides care and support for those who are struggling with addiction. If you have a loved one who is struggling with an SUD, there are both inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment options for them to begin working on their sobriety.
Can You Detox from Drugs or Alcohol at Home?
Detox occurs when the body clears itself of drugs or alcohol. Detox should usually occur under medical supervision as it may involve uncomfortable, painful, or even potentially fatal side effects resulting from withdrawal.
How to Talk to Someone About Going to Rehab?
While it’s not always easy to help and support someone who is struggling with addiction, it is important to be there for them, be sensitive to their struggles, communicate openly, and show them support. Some of the ways that you can encourage your loved one include: 3
Can I Force Someone to Go Into Rehab?
It is normal for you to be concerned about the safety of your loved one and those around them if they are struggling with an addiction, and you may be wondering if there is a way to force them to get help.
Tips for When an Addict Refuses Treatment
Even after the most careful planning, sometimes interventions don’t go as hoped. If it’s not the outcome you expected, you may start to wonder, “Can you force someone into rehab?” While the short answer is no, there are several steps you can take to ensure you heal after this disappointment.
Where to Find Support
If your loved one struggles with drugs or alcohol, you may feel completely helpless after they refuse your help. However, there are a few avenues of support at your disposal if an alcoholic refuses treatment:
Things to Remember About Addiction
If your loved one doesn’t want help for their drug or alcohol addiction, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, many factors influence your loved one’s inclination toward substance abuse. Long-term drug or alcohol use is a disease that changes the way their brain functions.
Convincing Someone to Enter Rehab
Most addicts do not want to go to rehab. If they did, the National Rehab Hotline would get calls from people struggling with addiction every day. By nature, addicts want to keep drinking or keep doing drugs, and this compulsion is important to understand.
What If They Do Not Want to Go to Rehab?
If you have been around addiction or known someone who has, you have probably heard the phrase, “in order to get better, they have to want help.” This is just not true.
Talking to Someone About Rehab
One of the most difficult aspects of getting a person into rehab is figuring out how to talk him or her into it.
Focus the Conversation
Whether you are having a one-on-one conversation or a formal intervention, the goal is the same: You want to get the person that you care about help for his or her substance use disorder.
Things You Should Not Discuss
The above list is a great start to convincing someone to go into rehab. At the same time, there are things that you should steer away from and topics you should avoid. Keep the following in mind:
Communicate the Rehab Process Effectively
This is where research and preparation come into play. It is vital that you have done your research to the point that you can explain to the person you are trying to help as much as he or she needs or wants to know.
How to Handle Excuses
Remember that the goal of the conversation or intervention is rehab. You are asking someone to drop everything and begin the rehab program at that exact moment, and such a request is not an easy thing for anyone to do. There will be excuses, and you should be ready for each one of them.