how to help your friend get treatment

Some actions you can take to support your friend in finding the right treatment program include:

• Looking for treatment options and presenting them to your friend.
• Trying to find programs that appeal to your friend (considering the location, provided amenities, or other features).
• Offering to help them break down barriers to going into treatment, such as helping them to...

Full Answer

How do you get rid of a friend?

• Think about what you get, if anything, out of the relationship. Chances are, you no longer have fun with this person. ...
• Accept you cannot make them change. ...
• Mixed feelings are normal and to be expected, but that does not mean you should continue a toxic friendship. ...

How do you entertain a friend?

• learning a musical instrument
• writing poems
• writing stories
• cooking/baking
• writing songs
• Knitting/crocheting
• riding a skateboard/bike/scooter (in your garden)
• DIY
• Watch documentaries about whatever you’re interested in eg. sport, nature, history
• Gardening

More items...

How do you say to a friend?

Various Compliments to Tell a Godsent Buddy

• You bring out the best in me.
• I know nothing can stop you.
• You are the reason I am smiling today.
• I bet you sweat glitters.
• Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend.
• You always manage to bring out the best in everyone.
• You’re a great listener.
• I don’t worry about you, because you have the answer to all problems.
• I will never forget about you.

More items...

How do I become a better friend?

How to Become Better Friends

• Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Deepening Your Friendship Download Article. Make time to talk with each other as often as possible. ...
• Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Being a Good Friend Download Article. Be honest with your friends. ...
• Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Dealing with Conflict Download Article. Trust that your friend has your best interests at heart. ...

How do I convince my friend to get therapy?

How to Tell Someone They Need TherapyBe honest. The first thing to know: Being honest and loving means a lot more than saying the right thing. ... Ask for permission first. Telling someone they might need therapy can catch them off guard. ... Use “I” statements. ... Stick to facts. ... Show you care.

How do you help a friend who is really struggling?

How to support a friend or family member who's struggling with their mental healthDO listen and validate. ... DO ask what they need from you. ... DO offer to help with everyday tasks. ... DO celebrate their wins, including the small ones. ... DO read up on what they're struggling with. ... DO check in with them regularly.More items...•

How do you help a friend who needs help?

13 Ways to Support Your Friends If They Are Struggling Listen and Don't Panic. ... Don't Judge Them or Their Issues. ... Be There for Each Other - You're Not Alone. ... Be Honest. ... Talk to a Trusted Adult. ... Phone a Helpline. ... Help Your Friend Feel Better. ... Visit a Doctor or Health Worker.More items...

What do I do if my friend needs mental help?

Talk to another friend or family member. Text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. These counselors can support you and offer advice on how to help your friend. Your safety is critical.

What to say to a friend who is having a hard time?

What to Say to a Friend Experiencing Hard Times“I hate that you're going through this, but I know that you've got this.” People want to know their friends don't just like them but admire them as well. ... “You've got a lot on your plate. ... “Remember when you were there for me? ... “You're my best friend.

How do I comfort someone?

How Do We Comfort Someone?1. “ Witness their feelings” ... Affirm that their feelings make sense. ... Draw out their feelings inorder to better understand what they feel. ... Don't minimize their pain or focus only on cheering them up. ... Offer physical affection if appropriate. ... Affirm your support and commitment.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for, especially when you have two or more of these symptoms.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extremely high and low moods.Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.

How do you help someone who is struggling emotionally?

11 ways to help someone struggling emotionallyValidate their emotions. Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step. ... Just show up. ... Be a good listener. ... Keep things confidential. ... Keep the door open. ... Spend time with them. ... Offer praise. ... Offer practical help.More items...•

What does a psychotic episode look like?

Signs of early or first-episode psychosis Hearing, seeing, tasting or believing things that others don't. Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that can't be set aside regardless of what others believe. Strong and inappropriate emotions or no emotions at all. Withdrawing from family or friends.

Should you force someone to go to therapy?

No. If a person is resistant to the whole idea, then they're not ready, and therapy is likely to be unsuccessful. I think there's a season for ther...

How do I choose a therapist for someone else?

In my experience, it doesn't really work out if a partner, parent, family member, or friend is super-involved in that choice. The person who's goin...

How do you convince someone to go to therapy?

If you've been to therapy before, it can be really effective if you share your own experiences. If it's appropriate and it feels authentic, get a l...

Best Tips On How to Help A Friend Get into Rehab

Having an alcoholic friend is never easy, especially when it comes to convincing him or her to enter drug and alcohol rehab. But as a good friend, you should do your best to convince him or her to take plunge.

Be caring, because care beats threats

There are times that you are frustrated with the behavior of a pal who has been addicted to drug or alcohol, and it is very hard to show any sympathy or love.

You can offer help, but not money

As a friend, you always know the best way to comfort your buddy, and a good rule to follow is to offer your time and effort, but no financial aid, because it may go toward feeding their addiction. Let them know you can assist them with anything that has to do with getting them to rehab or improving their lives.

Pull them out of denial

Individuals who are addicted to drugs and alcohol rarely admit that they have a problem because they don’t want to believe that there’s anything wrong with them. But if they’re going to get into drug rehab addiction recovery, they must first accept that the problem exists.

Keep love coming

It takes a lot of courage to seek addiction treatment and your loved one will undergo a lot of pain and distress before reaching that point. So acknowledge to your buddy that he or she has been through a lot, and continue to be caring about them while they are so vulnerable. Your continual support them will mean a lot to them.

Help them get a diagnosis

There are chances that your loved one’s addiction is accompanied by another mental illness like depression or anxiety. You can aid them find a treatment professional or therapist that can give them a proper diagnosis, in order for them to find the right type of drug addiction rehab centers.

Choose a drug rehab

Finding the right drug rehab for your loved ones may be difficult. You can support your friend by researching addiction rehab centers in New York, and finding one that is comfortable for them, and will provide the best treatment.

How to help a friend with mental health issues?

The best way to help your friend is to gain a better understanding of what they are going through. Sit down and gently bring up the topic about your friend's mental health. Ask questions to learn more about what they might need.

How to encourage a friend to take their mental health seriously?

Knowing that you will be with them every step of the way may encourage them to take their mental health more seriously. You may only need to attend the first appointment or two until your friend becomes comfortable. After that, your friend may prefer to attend alone. Don’t take this as an insult.

Why is my friend reluctant to go to therapy?

Help when you can. Your friend may be reluctant to go therapy because of logistical reasons like lacking transportation or not being able to afford the fees. Offer to help them arrange transportation when you aren’t able to provide it. If you can, help to pay for the sessions and medications they may need.

How to help someone who is ready to seek treatment?

When someone you know is ready to seek treatment through rehab, you can help by supporting them in the process of finding a treatment center, and sharing resources that will allow them to make an informed decision about the treatment plan they choose.

Why is it important to encourage loved ones to seek professional treatment?

Other times, it is important to encourage loved ones to seek professional treatment, especially if their behavior compromises their ability to care for themselves on a day-to-day basis. In such cases, it can be difficult to know how to initiate a conversation and what to say.

How to help someone who is not in imminent danger?

If a person is not in imminent danger, there are many other ways you can help a loved one who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts; for example, by encouraging them to find the right therapist and listening with empathy.

What is a family therapist?

A family therapist will work with the family as a unit to examine family dynamics, improve relationships within the family, and address family members' symptoms. If your child has a diagnosed mental health condition that warrants medication, you can consult with your child's pediatrician or a child psychiatrist to discuss psychotropic medication.

Why are psychotropic medications prescribed?

Due to the risk of unwanted side effects in children and teenagers who use psychotropic medications, these medications are often prescribed as a last resort and in conjunction with other types of treatment such as counseling. Client confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling.

Why do teens shy away from mental health?

Even a self-sufficient teenager, however, may shy away from seeking mental health treatment due to stigma or a lack of awareness and accessibility of available treatment options.

Why do people avoid therapy?

Some people may not have access to quality mental health care, and others may avoid therapy for fear of being considered "weak" or "crazy" by those who stigmatize therapy. A person may have religious or cultural beliefs that keep them from seeking professional assistance, or perhaps they have had a negative therapy experience in the past.

Signs a Friend May Have an Addiction

With the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse so high, there’s a chance that at some point you may suspect someone you know is struggling with addiction.

How to Help a Friend Stop Using Drugs

Watching someone you care about abuse substances can be painful, and it can also lead to feelings of helplessness. You cannot force someone to abstain from use and become sober. Likewise, you cannot force them into treatment against their will.

What to Do if a Friend Asks for Help Finding Addiction Treatment

It’s also possible that your friend will come to recognize their substance abuse on their own and will look to you for help. If your friend asks for help finding treatment, you can:

What to Do If Your Friend Relapses

It’s common for those in addiction treatment to relapse and use again. In fact, it’s so common that many providers now understand relapse as a normal part of the treatment process. 7

What to do if your friend is reluctant to seek treatment?

Even if your friend is reluctant to seek treatment, you can still research treatment options for her. If you find a treatment facility that appeals to her, she may be more likely to consider treatment.

How to help a friend who is not an adult?

Confide in a trusted adult if your friend is not an adult and she continues to abuse drugs. Keep in mind that your friend may be angry with you or even feel betrayed by you for a while. However, getting an adult involved is the best way to help her.

How to help a sober friend?

Be sure to be a good listener. Your friend may find it difficult to live a sober lifestyle, especially during the first year of recovery. Just being a listening ear can be a big support for your friend. Withhold judgment when talking to your friend.

Why is it important to provide effective intervention to your friend?

Unfortunately, drugs impair the brain which makes it difficult for your friend to make rational decisions. This can result in some very self-destructive behavior. Therefore, providing effective intervention is very important to your friend’s overall well-being.

What to do when your fiend is a teenager?

If your fiend is a teenager, encourage your friend to get help from a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, relative, counselor, clergyman, or coach. When she is ready, help her to find a support group or a substance abuse counselor in the local area.

How to talk to someone who is under the influence?

If you try to talk to them when they are under the influence, will not be able to have a coherent conversation. Your friend may become defensive when you first approach them about your concerns . Avoid accusations or arguments. Stick to the facts and remind yourself to stay calm.

How to help a friend who is addicted to drugs?

If you suspect that your friend is using drugs, even in small doses, it’s important that someone intervenes early. This can prevent things from getting worse and turning into a full addiction. If she is already addicted, then she already needs even more extensive help .

How to help a friend in recovery?

Just as you are there for your friend, giving your friend the opportunity to be there for you can help them grow stronger in recovery as well. Engage in healthy habits with them. Positive lifestyle changes can help your friend to feel better in recovery – physically and psychologically.

How to help someone who is struggling with addiction?

Just listening is a big help. Share what you are going through. Every conversation does not have to be about your friend or family member’s difficulties with substance abuse or their past in addiction. Talk about the things you are facing, what you are worried about, and irritations that come up.

How to tell if someone is relapsed?

Depending on your friend’s drug of choice, relapse signs may vary. Notice when things seem off , especially if that “off” feeling persists, and do not be afraid to speak up. Listen. As a friend and part of their support system, your loved one needs you to be an available listening ear.

What is the importance of staying sober in 2020?

It can play an incredibly positive role in helping them to remain accountable for their choices and stick to the new principles of sober living they learned while in treatment.

Can nagging cause relapse?

Anger at and/or blaming the individual is not helpful. Nagging won’t help. Even though you may feel you are simply being supportive and checking in or encouraging them to make positive choices, if it translates as nagging at someone excessively and becomes a bother, it can actually become a trigger for relapse.

Does relapse happen overnight?

Sweeping change does not occur overnight. Relapse may happen, and your loved one may not always be completely focused or happy about living in sobriety. This is normal. Sticking by them through the ups and downs can help them to get through whatever may come as they create a new life in recovery.

Can you control someone else's choices?

You cannot control someone else’s choices. You may feel like, “If you would just let me schedule your appointments, help you apply for jobs, or deal with this or that situation, then it will be easier for you to avoid relapse .”. That may even be true.

How to know if someone needs help?

In You Need Help! Komrad lists the specific signs — along with real-life examples — that signal an individual needs help. These are some of the signs: 1 Behavior that scares you, such as a significant temper. 2 Problems taking care of themselves or regulating their behavior, such as ignoring basic hygiene, engaging in reckless acts or drinking and acting aggressively. 3 Problems with thinking, such as becoming disoriented, seeing or hearing things that no one else does or forgetting important facts. 4 Intense feelings, such as profound anxiety about leaving the house. 5 Problems interacting with others, such as withdrawing from the people they love. 6 Inability to work, such as not holding down a job or diminishing grades or effort in school. 7 Experiencing trauma, such as abuse or the death of a child.

What to do when you feel unsafe?

If you’re feeling unsafe for any reason, articulate that to the authorities. If you’re uneasy about bringing your loved one home, communicate that as well. As Komrad said, you don’t want to give the system an easy way out. You want to make sure they grasp the gravity.

Is mental health treatment effective?

The good news is that treatments for mental illness are highly effective . The bad news is that only one out of three people might actually seek help. And some research suggests that the people who need help the most are typically the least likely to get it.

Do people with mental illness need counseling?

Many people with mental illness simply don’t think they’re sick. That’s why it’s critical for families and friends to step in and help their loved one realize they need to seek counseling. Don’t worry about “meddling” in their lives, Komrad said. Rather, you have the opportunity and power to improve – and in some cases, save — their lives.

How to help an alcoholic friend?

Setting Limits. An important part of helping an alcoholic friend is setting limits within the friendship. If you let your friend’s behavior impact your life or make excuses for your friend’s drinking, your friend may be less able to recognize the problem and less likely to seek help. Determine the boundaries you will live by and stick to them, ...

What to do if your friend is drinking too much?

If you feel your friend may be drinking too much, you can help by learning more about alcoholism, helping them seek treatment, and becoming a support system in their recovery.

How to talk to an alcoholic friend about alcohol?

Before talking to your friend about his or her drinking, talk to a counselor or psychologist about what you plan to say. You might also want to get other friends involved who also want to help the alcoholic. One possible approach is to tell your friend that you spoke to a therapist about his or her alcohol use because you are worried about it. This gives your friend the chance to think about the problem and realize that it is harming others.

How to make someone stop drinking?

While you can’t make them quit drinking, it is important to protect yourself from the negative consequences of their behavior. Practice self-care and know that their decision to either continue or stop drinking isn’t something you can control. Be patient with them and yourself.

What to do if someone doesn't want to change their behavior?

What you can do is take steps to help your loved one make changes in the long term. It's also important that you get the support you need to cope with a loved one who has an addiction.

Why is it so hard to help someone with addiction?

There are many reasons why it can be difficult to help someone you care about who has an addiction. Your loved one: May not agree they have a problem. May not want to change what they are doing . May fear consequences (e.g., losing their job or going to prison) May feel embarrassed and not want to discuss their addiction with you (or anyone else) ...

How to contact the SAMHSA?

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Is trust undermined when trying to help?

Trust is easily undermined, even when you are trying to help . There are a few things to keep in mind as you are thinking about talking to your loved one about their addiction. Different perspectives. While you may only want to help your loved one, they might think you are trying to control them.

Can you protect someone from addiction?

While you might want to protect your loved one, resist the urge to try to protect someone with addiction from the consequences of their own actions. The exception to allowing for consequences is if your loved one is doing something that could be harmful to themselves or others—for example, drinking and driving.