Encouraging Your Loved Ones to Undergo Drug Rehabilitation

Making an Addicted Person Committed To Drug Addiction Treatment

Laying the cards on the table to someone in your life like a parent or your child about the issue of their addiction can be distressing. Pointing out how the addiction is affecting them and other family members can turn into arguable matter because an addicted person thinks and believes that there is nothing wrong. The suggestion that there is a call for rehabilitation can also be critical because they might deny the real score and refuse outside help. Or they are not yet ready to accept the truth because they are simply unaware of the deeper problems underneath. Even if they know there are problems, they might not admit the reality since it endorses pressure on their part.

Moreover, individuals suffering from addiction usually feel the need to escape this kind of discussion as they consider it as a “confrontation” which forces them to declare something that they do not want to admit as of yet. They consider it as an attack to their personality and principles. It makes them feel they are weak and meaningless. They will do their best effort to avoid the issue. When this happens, the intervening party is left in the wilderness. And the addiction, like a developing tropical storm, will continue to gather strength and destroy lives which in turn make it more difficult to deal with.

Here are a few things that you can do to get your loved one who is suffering from drug addiction to have a firm amount of willingness and commitment to undergo alcohol or drug addiction treatment:

Start With Yourself

Set an example by keeping away from alcohol and drugs or situations where you are susceptible to encounter illegal substances. Show the person that you are absolutely against any type of activities that promote drinking alcohol or drug use. Be firm in proving that it is possible to be clean and sober by preventing triggers that encourage the strong urge to drink or abuse drugs.

It is also very important for an intervening party like you to be familiarized with the proper approach in encouraging a loved one to undertake drug rehabilitation. To avoid consequences that can further escalate the dilemma, you need to put your feet on the right track. You have to determine the correct timing, putting enough pressure, but not over demanding. You must also be cautious and smart to reach an encouraging result.

Learn how to take control of the wheel by being familiar and aware of the true enemy – the addiction itself. Read personal blogs and legitimate websites that talk about addiction, dealing with people with addiction and other important issues that can help you gain information. You can also ask professional help from psychologists and doctors in rehabilitation centers on the proper approach in dealing with an addicted loved one. You can also refer to several eBooks online about drug and alcohol addiction to enrich your familiarization on the subject.

Intervention and family involvement, while difficult and overpowering, is very important in putting a victim of addiction into the state of realization that is the starting point of rehabilitation and recovery. Some individuals struggling to get out of their addiction are just waiting for a helping hand to pull them out of the miserable condition. Let us not deprive the assistance they need. We should prevent the person hit rock bottom; we should immediately act in favor of someone we know who needs urgent help.

Helping the Addicted Individual Realize the Addiction Problem

Most victims of drug addiction are aware of how these illicit substances are destroying them, but because of addiction – which controls their physical and psychological faculty, they could not control themselves and simply accept the fact that they could not do anything about it. People in the intense stage of addiction may possibly have no self-control and cannot handle themselves. They even have no capacity to know the score or incapable to accept the truth that they are dependent to an addictive substance. It is essential for us family members to help them face the truth and give them hope that there is something that could be done to change their life.

The first step in solving a problem is acknowledging that it exists, then realizing that there is always a solution no matter how deep these victims may have fallen. We must do our best in enlightening victims of addiction and open up their minds. We must help these people realize there is a principal problem and there are deeper problems that exist.

Showing how the addiction affects the person’s life and the lives of the people around him will allow complete understanding of why there is a need to enter a rehab center. Illustrating possible negative scenarios and future damages to one’s life if the addiction is left untreated can set an alarming effect on his part, creating a whole new perspective and options.

Planning the Actual Discussion

The intervention process should be done in a timely fashion so that the drug dependent will not be overwhelmed. Opening a discussion, for example, should be planned accordingly prior to the actual dialogue. Finding the precise time when to approach is crucial - you need to be very patient at this point.

Avoid talking with the person when he is high on drugs. Open up the issue when he is calm and cheerful, avoiding accusations and criticism. Be familiar with the mood and behavior of the person. Avoid using phrases that aim to scrutinize and can hurt the feelings of the person. You must realize that the goal of the discussion is to bring the person into the state of realization - by providing encouragements. While confrontation is the correct term to describe the situation, it must not obviously appear as one.

Performing the Intervention

The intervening party should be calm, with a low but assuring voice and has the ability to explain the negative consequences of the person’s behavior due to his addiction. The idea is to guide the person recognizes his mistakes – making him understand the cause and effects of his addiction – teaching him how to overcome the disease and telling him there is hope. In the process, when he agrees to the plans, it is the right time that the issue about the rehabilitation should enter. Explain deeply the benefits of seeking professional help and the significance of a rehabilitation facility to address the problem. Please take note that it is advisable not to continue with the discussion when the person seems not to be in a good mood or when he shows aggressiveness and resistance.

Once he grabs the helping hand, the intervention should continue during the rehabilitation, until the recovery stage. Intervention is a continuous process. Constant reminders, encouraging words and positive actions are few of the steps that can motivate him along the way.

Make Him Feel Your Presence and Support

Victims of drug addiction have a twisted perspective of people around them, and this is why they often try to hide their problems. This is also true when the patient has experienced severe trauma when it comes to cruelty, rejections and bullying. Giving the individual a sense of acceptance and commendation is recommended to alleviate the tension that he or she is feeling, thus making him or her more comfortable about going through the drug addiction treatment. Make your relative feel that even though he is suffering from addiction, you are never far from him nor you despise him. This will encourage and motivate him to undergo the drug addiction treatment because he knows there are people who are willing to support him in the process.

This is also applicable if the person lacks attention. One of the roots of addiction is the emotional breakdown brought about by the feeling of neglect. This condition usually leads to depression and self-pity. A person suffering from addiction should get the love and affection that will drive him to cooperate. Concern from surrounding family members and friends will also motivate and inspire him to complete the rehab program and treatment process.

Turn the Negative Habit to a Positive Hobby

Addicts should believe that they can beat this disease, and continue being positive thinkers. It is just a matter of right combination of treatment and support that will eventually lead to progress and the point is - there is no giving up. Whether it is finding new interests, hobbies, enjoying music, literature and movies or meeting new people, finding love, religion, all of these are the ways to explore and find recovery identity again.

Family members can help the patient gain back his self-esteem by turning his head to a positive direction and new ventures. Encouraging him to get into sports activities such as basketball or table tennis can promote not only his physical fitness but can also develop his social interactions, eventually engaging him to a hobby that will allow him to stop thinking about his past and just focusing on the present.

Make him Realize there is a Great Life after Rehab

One issue to cope up with is the concern of the patient when it comes to the next chapter after the process of drug or alcohol rehabilitation. This fear can cause hesitation on the part of the addicted individual and must be properly discussed to clear things up. As an intervening party, you can give confidence by telling him upfront all sides of the coin. There are many opportunities that could come into order once he finishes the rehabilitation program. The idea is to lay down all the possibilities of a great life after rehab so that the recovering individual can plan out for himself and think about the future.

There might also be some bumpy roads along the way. But you can cheer him up by assuring that the family will be on his side all the time and he can surely get through this.

Encouraging an addicted loved one to walk his feet to recovery is a difficult undertaking. But considering the long term effects of the intervention process to a person’s life can motivate a family member to pursue the goal – a difficult yet rewarding task that everyone should consider.

Family Intervention is Important

Support from family members plays a big role in the rehabilitation. Loved ones are often the source of motivation which encourages the alcoholic to enter a rehab center and make his every effort for the recovery. The inspiration provided by family members gives confidence and the strength he needs. Family also provides a positive environment for the individual that enables in him a strong desire to get back into the society once he completed the rehab program. The love and care from loved ones will further push him towards this positive transformation.

The very act of recognition that leads to the possibility of considering a rehab center in helping may be incalculably important. Family life and good communication will help people feel less fear about getting into rehabilitation.

The Need for Intervention is Vital in Rehabilitation

Why is Family Intervention Necessary?

Family involvement plays a big role in addressing drinking problems. Family members should partake in dealing with addiction not only because it is the right move; and/or it is the kindest and most loving thing to do to any person suffering from addiction but it is also a beneficial and rewarding accomplishment on the part of the helping parties.

Intervention is needed if an addicted person is (1) unaware of his condition, (2) denying there is a problem and (3) aware but doesn't have the ability to fight the problem. On the other hand, family involvement has the goals of (1) laying the problems upfront without being too confrontational, (2) providing the patient the support he needs; and (3) encouraging the person to undergo treatment or rehabilitation.

In a recent study, 82% percent of alcoholics choose to be treated and decide to be rehabilitated because of family support and intervention. And about 90% of these patients benefited from the recovery process.

Family Intervention Can Break the Denying Stage of Addiction

The majorities of people suffering from alcohol addiction usually do not have the power to admit they have a problem, or are oblivious of the fact that they need help to address any existing problem. The reason for these is simple yet dangerous - they are blinded with the dependency to alcohol which undeniably controls their emotions and their ways of thinking. They believe that they have the total control over everything, and that everything falls exactly on the right path. Normally, this denial period takes place at the earlier stage of addiction and is common to people who have drinking problems, especially those individuals who are considered as functioning alcoholics. Who would have thought about having problem if one can function normally for his everyday tasks? This is one of the reasons why intervention is necessary – to remove the blindfold of the person and to present him the reality.

Denying can also be true to people who have chronic condition. They are denying the addiction because they “need” to believe that “they need” the “addiction” to cope up with everyday life. People who are into this dilemma will continue to drink uncontrollably and abuse the substance regularly. They cannot think for themselves and they cannot correct their mistakes by themselves. In this condition, intervention is very important – to save the victim from the drowning effects of alcohol addiction.

Denying there is a problem is the most general symptom of any kind of addiction. A person is susceptible to deny his addiction because of several reasons, but the most widespread grounds are (1) the lack of awareness of the destruction the addiction is bringing into his life and to the lives of the people around him and; (2) ignoring the condition and disregarding the reality that there are problems that require solutions. In number 1, he may be in the state of “unconsciousness”, that is, he may be seeing that alcohol is the only way to cope up with life, which in turn, encourages him to believe that drinking alcohol is the solution, not the problem. In number 2, he senses that there are issues and concerns need to be addressed but is ignoring them because alcohol dependency has the complete control of the wheel.

People with addiction will eventually turn into self-destructive individuals that the need for family intervention should take place immediately.

An addictive substance, which is in this case - alcohol, has the power to manipulate one’s thoughts and actions, leading a person to believe that he can stop drinking anytime. It creates an imaginary perspective, sort of an “illusion” that addiction is far from happening. This perception typically worsens any kind of condition due to the fact that the person will continue drinking until the first signs of damage appear. In most cases, some people do crazy things and commit negative decisions which they believe are appropriate for the time being. Intervention can show a complete understanding of the addiction problem. Once the alcoholic realizes that addiction is a disease that can ruin his life, encouraging him to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation will be a walk in the park.

Tips for an Effective Intervention

Intervention should be planned ahead of time. This is a serious and delicate process and should be implemented properly. If done in the correct manner and right time, family intervention has the ability to pull the patient out of addiction and bring him closer to recovery.

Planning the Intervention Approach

Each family is different and intervention plan is crucial. Family members should plan out and talk about the correct approach. Laying out plans and recognizing which approach is suitable for the addicted family member can help out in the implementation of the actual intervention. Remember that addiction is a chronic and developmental disease. The longer the intervention taking place, the stronger the addiction will be and the harder it will be to manage.

Intervention should be done as soon as possible. Immediate intervention will not only prevent further damages but will also result in an outstanding recovery.

Slowly but Surely

The actual discussion with the involved person is also tricky. Most addicted individuals deny their addiction problems and they refuse to accept any form of help. In this situation, family members and helping parties should lay all the cards on the table in order for the patient to fully understand the situation. Take note that this process should be done gradually – to give the involved individual the time to react and allow him to adjust on the situation.

Solution Not Confrontation

Avoid being too confrontational. Intervention should have the goal of encouraging the addicted person to come out of the closet and seek professional help. It should not be offensive and provoking. The person must realize there are problem and that the family involvement can help him to resolve that problem. The intervention process must educate the person about the negative effects of addiction and that there are ways to eliminate these negative consequences, not blaming him for that matter. He must realize that he has family and friends willing to lend a hand in order for him to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Family intervention should be the starting point of the rehabilitation and treatment recovery process. Family members should be riveted to their role of helping their loved one win over the drinking problems. In most cases, family issues and domestic problems are common causes of drinking problems. This is why family members should be the first to act and to react.

Dealing With an Addicted Loved One

Are you having problems about a relative or a close friend who has an addiction problem? This article may help you in dealing with an addicted loved one.

The family is the most basic unit of society, but it is also the most important and significant because it is through families that societies and governments are built upon; strong families which brought together form strong societies, which in turn produce strong nations that are able to withstand any form of trouble or destruction.

But the family’s greatest significance does not simply lie on the nation as a whole, but ultimately in the lives of each and every individual in society. The family is responsible for shaping an individual’s personality, perspective and behavior; in fact, of all the factors that contribute to developing an individual’s mind, will and emotions, the family has the greatest impact.

The family’s role is essential in training an individual to become a productive and beneficial member of the community, but when that person experiences disappointment and persecution, the family is the first one he always turns to because it provides an atmosphere of love and care that no other unit of society can give. This is why in cases of addiction, it isn't the rehabilitation center that has that greatest impact in helping the victim change; it is the family.

Dealing with an addicted loved one is challenging and difficult, but one must realize when someone falls victim to addiction, family is the only one he can turn to. This is especially true in the Philippines, where someone who becomes a victim of addiction is persecuted by the society so much so that he has no one else to go to other than his family.

So if a loved one falls into addiction, how do you deal with them? Here are a few simple keys on how you can deal with a loved one who has fallen victim to addiction:

1. Always Assure the Addiction Victim That You are For Him or Her

As family, the very first thing that you must impress on that loved one who has fallen victim to addiction is that you are, and will always be for him. This doesn’t mean that you are trying to defend his actions, but rather defending the person itself. What he did may be wrong and destructive, but ultimately, you have to realize that turning your back on that addicted loved one will drain all hope for change. It is your support that will encourage him to fight his addiction. It is the trust between you and him that will become his motivation and inspiration.

2. Never Let the Addiction Prevent You From Loving Him or Her

The moment someone falls victim to addiction is the moment when a person needs to experience the most love from his family. As family, we must learn to understand that the only way someone can completely turn away from something as strong as addiction is to experience a tremendous amount of love; a victim of addiction must feel that there is still someone who is willing to share the suffering and help him rise back up. Knowing that there are people who are willing to support him in getting rid of his dependency will push his willingness to undergo rehabilitation.

3. Understand That Addiction is the Problem and Not The Person

Addiction is like a disease, a physical illness – it enters a person and destroys him inside out. When a person is sick, you don’t condemn the person because of the sickness; rather, you condemn the disease because it destroys the person. In the same way, we must learn to look at a person and his addiction separately so that we can have the right perspective in dealing with his addiction issue. As a famous person once said: “Be angry with the sin, not with the person.”

4. Learn To Say No Gently

Addiction places a craving in a person that he can’t control, so we must learn to deny him that craving while assuring the person that we are for him. You can do this by constantly explaining that whatever he is addicted in is destroying his life, and while it may be uncomfortable for a season, in the long run it will benefit him.

Dealing with an addicted loved one takes a lot of love and patience, but as family, you must understand how you are the most important and probably the only person that can help him now.