Full Answer
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 to help the addict who doesn’t want help?
Consider seeking one-on-one counseling or attending a support group like Narc-Anon or Al-Anon. This will help you face your feelings and give you the tools you need to navigate through this difficult time. Sack, David. (2015). How To Help The Addict Who Doesn’t Want Help.
Should I stop enabling my loved one’s Addiction?
Second, by refusing to continue your enabling behaviors you’ll make it harder for your loved one to keep feeding their addiction. The advice that someone struggling with addiction has to “hit rock bottom” before they can get better is not only untrue, it’s also dangerous. For some people with addiction issues, “rock bottom” can equal death.
Can addicts stop using on their own?
To add to the confusion it seems some addicts can stop using on their own, while others can’t. But there’s a difference between heavy users of substance and those who are addicted to them. Heavy users are problematic.
What are 3 reasons why someone does not seek treatment for their addiction?
They weren't ready to stop using. ... They couldn't afford it. ... They didn't know where to get treatment. ... They were afraid of what their neighbors might think. ... They were afraid it might affect their job.
What is the best way to cure someone who is addicted?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
What are 3 strategies often used to treat addiction?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•
What are 5 signs that indicate a person has an addiction?
Signs someone else is addicted:Changes in personality and behavior like a lack of motivation, irritability, and agitation.Bloodshot eyes and frequent bloody noses.Shakes, tremors, or slurred speech.Change in their daily routines.Lack of concern for personal hygiene.Unusual need for money; financial problems.More items...
How long does it take to get rid of an addiction?
It takes 21 days to break an addiction According to psychologists, while it may take approximately 21 days of conscious and consistent effort to create a new habit, it takes far longer to break an existing habit.
Is there medication for addiction?
Medications that are commonly used to treat addiction include the following: Naltrexone or Vivitrol. Buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Methadone. Disulfiram or Antabuse.
What is the first step in treating a drug abuse problem?
Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
What type of therapy works best for substance abuse?
Behavioral therapy is perhaps the most commonly utilized types of treatment for addiction that is frequently used during substance rehabilitation.
How does a person look like under the influence of drugs?
Some signs that someone may be under the influence of a drug include: Enlarged pupils, bloodshot or glassy eyes. Increased energy and confidence. Loss of inhibitions.
What is the most common type of addiction?
Here Are The 10 Most Common AddictionsNicotine – As of 2020, 59.2% of Americans 12+ had tried it before. ... Alcohol – As of 2020, 79.5% of Americans 12+ had tried it before. ... Marijuana – As of 2020, 17.9% of Americans 12+ had tried it before. ... Painkillers – In 2020, 3.3% of Americans 12+ tried them in the past year.More items...•
What is a defiant addict?
But you can at least know that you’ve done your best. A defiant addict is anyone who does not willingly seek out the treatment he or she needs. Overcoming those mental blocks and physical demands from drugs is never easy.
How to stop enabling behavior?
One of the things you can do, as a loved one, is to stop your enabling behavior. As previously noted, many people provide for their loved one’s needs. You do it because you love them. You want to save your son or daughter’s life. You want your spouse to just get better. Just one more chance, you think, and it will get better—but then it doesn’t. Here’s what you can do to stop enabling your loved one: 1 Stop providing an excuse for their use. 2 Don’t give them money for groceries or other needs. Don’t pay any bills for them. 3 Stop providing the alcohol or the money for drugs. 4 Stop covering up their addictive behaviors. 5 Don’t do their work for them.
What is the first step in detoxing?
The second part is to help you, the family member who cares so much for the individual who seems destined to destroy their life. The pain and burden worsen when a loved one refuses to obtain treatment. What can you do in this situation?
Why do people provide for their loved ones?
As previously noted, many people provide for their loved one’s needs. You do it because you love them. You want to save your son or daughter’s life. You want your spouse to just get better. Just one more chance, you think, and it will get better—but then it doesn’t.
What happens when you can't get alcohol?
When they cannot obtain the alcohol or drugs they want any longer, this forces them to begin thinking about other options. Sometimes, your boundaries will not help; your loved one will find ways to work around them. But you can at least know that you’ve done your best.
How to follow through on consequences?
Establish and Follow Through on Consequences. A first step is to establish guidelines and consequences. Improvement does not occur when empty threats are used. If the loved one refuses treatment, then the consequences occur. Choose consequences you will stand by no matter what happens.
How to protect yourself from constant battles?
You set the boundaries. Then, stick with them . That’s the best route to take to protecting yourself and your loved one from constant battles.
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. ...
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 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:
Why is it important to not blame someone for their refusal to get treatment?
By admitting and acknowledging that you are not to blame for your loved one’s refusal to enter treatment, you can reduce any resentment or frustration you may be holding on to. Addiction is a disease with various genetic and environmental factors. Do not allow your loved one to blame you. It is important to stay positive and not hold on to resentment and self-blame which may in fact hinder your desire and ability to help them.
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 do you enable someone?
You enable someone when you support their addiction, directly or indirectly. Do you financially support your loved one who refuses to enter treatment? Do you allow them to live with you? When addiction interferes with their ability to complete responsibilities on their own, do you buy them groceries or help them with their responsibilities? 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.
How to help someone who resists treatment?
Even if your loved one initially resists treatment, it is important to let them know that when they are ready, you are available to give them support. Providing your loved one with educational materials on treatment centers is an excellent way to help them learn more about what addiction treatment entails. By showing support consistently and maintaining healthy boundaries, you allow your loved one to know that when they are ready, help is available.
How to help someone with addiction?
When someone is in the grip of addiction, their clarity quickly withers away. Suggest or schedule a routine check-up appointment. Inform the doctor of the addiction prior to the visit, and do so for multiple reasons. They’ll be better able to identify the issues and see past the excuses of the individual. 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 person. In some cases, it has been proven to help them think clearly when someone outside of their social or family circle is able to recognize issues. Before they are too far gone, it’s a wake-up call.
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.
Why is it important to have an intervention?
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. Interventions are designed to will the person into becoming a patient; nobody who is forced to will heal on their own. Even if it comes with some pushing, a person has to walk into that rehab via willpower.
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 long does it take to get sober in rehab?
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings.
How to not be judgmental?
Without stating the obvious, let the person know that you are there for them no matter what. It’s very easy to have a conversation with someone, and keep the subject matter silent, while both of you know what’s going on. By avoiding bringing it up in direct words or unveiling anger, you’re showing them that you’re not being judgmental, that you just want to help.
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.
Introduction
Family can be one of our greatest sources of physical security and emotional support. But family environments can also foster destructive emotions and behaviors, including substance abuse and addiction.
Substance Abuse: How Big Is the Problem?
In popular cultural stereotypes of the American family, drugs and alcohol are not part of a happy household. Yet statistics indicate that the problem of substance abuse affects people from all walks of life, including parents, children, spouses, and partners living in otherwise “normal” homes.
Detecting the Signs of Substance Abuse
No matter how well we think we know the people we share our homes and hearts with, every individual is capable of keeping secrets. Addiction, by its nature, drives the individual to suppress painful emotions and harmful behaviors in order to fuel episodes of drinking or using drugs.
How Addiction Affects the Family
Substance abuse affects a family on every level: emotional, psychological, financial, and social. A parent’s preoccupation with getting drunk or high can lead to neglect or abuse. The use of alcohol and drugs can lead to financial hardship, poverty, or bankruptcy.
Approaching the Problem
It’s never easy to bring up the subject of substance abuse with a family member, but in most cases, the person with the problem will not be the one to initiate this conversation.
Seeking Outside Intervention
Even when families approach the subject of addiction with a compassionate, nonjudgmental attitude, there are times when the best attempts to help a loved one fail. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that can distort reality, making the individual feel that change is impossible.
How to talk to your loved one about drug abuse?
When you are ready to speak with your loved one, avoid sounding judgmental or patronizing about their alcohol or drug abuse. Let your loved one know that you are aware of the problem and offer your love and support. Go through the treatment options available and encourage them to seek professional help.
How does drug addiction affect a family?
Once peaceful and happy homes can be torn by the strain resulting from drug and alcohol abuse. Conflict within a family may become typical and expected. Trust may begin to erode, and healthy communication can be more challenging.
What is the difference between helping and enabling someone with addiction?
It is essential to know the difference between helping and enabling someone with addiction problems. If you are financially supporting someone with alcoholism or lying to help them hide their drug addiction issues, then you are enabling them.
What to do if you cannot convince your loved one to seek support on your own?
If you cannot convince your loved one to seek support on your own, consider hiring a professional interventionist before the situation worsens. If the individual with the addiction problem is your child or partner, you may also have the chance to seek legal intervention.
What does it feel like to live with an addict?
Living with an addict can cause stress, frustration, and unhappiness. The experience can deeply affect you. Understandably, your instinct would be to do everything to stop the addiction. You feel pressured to help your loved one. But you don't have to do everything.
What to do before confronting a loved one?
Before you confront your loved one, take the time to learn about addiction, detox, withdrawal symptoms, and the treatment options available. The more you know, the better you can handle the situation confidently and calmly.
How long does a residential treatment program last?
The best-known residential treatment program approach is the therapeutic community (TC.) This treatment model provides planned lengths of stay between six and 12 months.
How to help an addict who is addicted to drugs?
Set Limits. Loved ones often put the addicts feelings and needs first and become enmeshed in the lies and chaos. Setting and enforcing boundaries not only allows loved ones to resume control of their lives, practice healthy detachment, and safeguard their own health and well-being but also helps the addict face the natural consequences of their actions. While loved ones may gladly help the addict look for a job or choose a treatment center, they must set clear boundaries around behaviors they deem unacceptable (e.g., asking the addict not to come around if they are drunk or high or refusing to loan money or pay their bills if they are using).
How can loved ones help with addiction?
In most situations, loved ones can help raise the bottom, bypassing a great deal of suffering along the way. Whether the addict is ready or not, getting involved is an act of love, which can be a powerful force in breaking through addiction.
Why do addicts need encouragement?
In some cases, the addict may be angry and resentful and require time and ongoing encouragement to recognize the need for change . This can be particularly trying for loved ones who must stay close to the addict (without rescuing or enabling) even as they self-destruct, if not for the addicts sake then for their own peace of mind that they did all they could.
How to break through addiction?
Stage an Intervention. Addiction interventions are a highly effective way to break through the addicts denial and get them into treatment. By staging an intervention, loved ones can get the addicts attention and help them understand the consequences of their destructive behaviors before more serious consequences ensue.
Why do addicts depend on drugs?
Because they have come to depend on drugs to function, they will make excuses, justify the indefensible and put off treatment as long as possible.
How do addicts get into treatment?
There are many ways in which addicts are pushed into treatment: court order, divorce, loss of child custody and hospitalization, to name a few. While some flounder along the way, many go on to achieve lifelong sobriety regardless of the fact that entering treatment wasnt entirely voluntary.
How do addicts develop motivation?
Most addicts develop the motivation to sustain their recovery after being helped into treatment, when they start learning about their disease and feeling better than they have since they started using. We have techniques for getting addicts into treatment that work, if not right away then over time, even in the seemingly most hopeless situations.
How does addiction affect everyone?
It doesn’t matter what sex, age, weight, race or religion you are. It doesn’t care where you work, what you do for a living, or how much money you have in the bank. It’s not about your grade level, or the type of house you live in. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It devastates everyone who comes in contact with it. There’s no place in North America that’s safe from it. It’s in your town, in your schools, on your streets and in your home.
What is the difference between heavy users and those who are addicted to them?
But there’s a difference between heavy users of substance and those who are addicted to them. Heavy users are problematic. They understand they have a problem and after experiencing harmful consequences due to their using, they stop. Addicts understand they have a problem and experience the same consequences.
Is it possible to be an addict when you first start out?
Addiction hijacks certain pathways in the brain. Of course no one thinks they’re going to be an addict when they first start out. It doesn’t help there’s a deadly myth circulating, either. Some folks believe rock bottom must be hit, before an addict or alcoholic will agree to receive help.
Is addiction a progressive illness?
Addiction is a progressive illness and those with it; are at different points along the spectrum. Not everyone has to lose it all to this illness. As a matter of fact, the longer you wait to intervene on your loved one – the more damage occurs.
Is addiction a disease of choice?
The addict’s family lives in shame and silence. It’s not easy watching your loved one waste away and not being able to do anything about it. Unlike cancer or diabetes, many believe addiction is a disease of choice.
Do you have to wait until all is lost to seek help?
Not only that, they’ll help you, the family members, too. You don’t have to wait until all is lost to seek help. The truth is, there is no magical end line where rock bottom occurs. When you’re an addict there is only jails, institutions, death or recovery.
Is a person dependent on their DOC?
Their body and organs are damaged, and physically and psychologically, they’re completely dependent of their DOC – the same way your body is dependent on air. With all the different opinions and controversy surrounding this topic, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and confused when considering treatment options.
Why do people refuse to seek treatment for addictions?
For example, people with addictions refuse to seek treatment, even when they know they need it, because drug use has chemically altered the way their brain works.
How to stage an intervention for an addict?
When you’re ready to stage the intervention, make sure your loved one is sober and that they will not be able to make up an excuse ...
Why don't people want to stop using?
Your loved one may not want to stop using because they might be afraid of what will happen if they do ( National Institute on Drug Abuse ). They could be scared of detox, especially because there are lots of uninformed horror stories floating around the Internet. For this, it can be helpful to do some research to show them they have nothing to fear.
Why do addicts lie?
This kind of problem occurs because addicts often lie to avoid the consequences of their addiction. They don’t want to lose you and yet they don’t want to stop using.
What happens when someone you love refuses to get treatment?
When someone you love refuses to get professional treatment for their mental health disorder—such as depression, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse —this can put you, as a family member, in a very uncomfortable and difficult position. You care for the person and can see that he or she needs help, but feel powerless and unable to just stand by.
How to help a woman with a mental illness?
Offer to help with the logistics, which can sometimes feel overwhelming to a person in the midst of a mental health episode. This could include providing phone numbers for the mental health professionals in her area or driving her to an appointment. Help her to understand that going for an evaluation does not mean that she has to agree to the proposed treatment—she can take time to think about it.
What does it mean to distancing yourself from a sick family member?
That, a lot of times, means distancing yourself from the sick family member who refused treatment. Everyone has limits, and when said mentally sick family member has a long history of repeated abusive behavior I say family members have a right to protect themselves from harm.
How old do you have to be to get a psychotic treatment?
You care for the person and can see that he or she needs help, but feel powerless and unable to just stand by. You cannot force anyone over the age of 18 into treatment, unless they pose a danger to themselves or others or show signs of psychotic thinking (which is not very common).
Why does my loved one refuse to move forward?
If your loved one refuses to move forward, it’s useful to try to understand what is behind his reasons for refusing treatment and then address those issues. A person may refuse to accept mental health treatment for many reasons, including: He may believe it indicates he is a failure.
Is it hard to keep up with meds?
It's really hard to keep up your motivation and keep on trying when so many things don' t go your way, when meds don't work or you have side effects to them. I know, I've been there too. It feels like you have nothing left to do, but actually there's always something else to try. This I know for sure.
Can elderly people not participate in treatment?
Other's won't participate, and, if they aren' t a danger to themselves or others, have a right to not participate in treatment. The author mentioned elderly people. Elderly people (probably over the age of 75 or so) didn't grow up with treatment options, and thus, many won' t participate in them.