In 2017, 46% of Americans knew someone struggling with addiction. Unfortunately, that number has certainly risen with the unprecedented rise of substance abuse in recent years.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, then the best thing you can do for them is to help them get help. Here are some tips for helping loved ones with addiction.
Recognize the Signs
You may have known for a long time that your loved one has an issue with substance abuse, or you may only have suspicions. Either way, it’s best to understand the signs to help you make a decision on how to support and communicate the issue with them, as well as find an appropriate time to help them.
These signs could include behavioral cues like lying, hanging out with the wrong people, or spending too much money. They could also be physical signs like apparent illness, red eyes, needle marks, and more. Either way, pay close attention and monitor the situation as best as you can!
Plan an Intervention
Interventions are a time-tested method for convincing a loved one to get help, but there is a lot of room for error during interventions. Here’s what you can do to prevent issues and plan a successful intervention.
Find the Right Treatment
Finding treatment programs ahead of time is essential for a successful intervention. Without it, what is the end goal? If you don’t find treatment ahead of time, you are increasing the amount of time between the intervention and treatment, which gives your loved one more time to change their mind if they agree.
Inpatient treatment or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the best options for early recovery, as medical oversight is essential during detox. However, any treatment is better than no treatment, so it’s okay to offer your loved one options and meet them halfway if necessary. Just remember to verify their insurance ahead of time.
Get the Right Help
It’s okay to invite mutual loved ones to help intervene, but only if they will be productive to the situation. If they are going to bring hostility, judgment, or unnecessary tension, then they should be omitted from the intervention altogether. Even if it hurts their feelings, interventions are too delicate of situations to take risks.
Also, you can invite an addiction specialist to join the intervention and moderate. You can still give your message and speak openly; they will just bring some expertise and valuable experience to the table.
Intervene Appropriately
After consulting with your loved ones and an addiction specialist, find a time that works best for everybody. Preferably, this is when your loved one is sober. When the time comes, ask them politely to have a seat and let them know that you have some concerns you want to share.
Stay On-Message
Everybody should have their messages clearly written ahead of time. Feel free to review others’ messages and ask for adjustments as needed. Every message needs to be clear, well-meaning, and have your loved one’s best interest at heart. Stick with these prepared messages as closely as possible and avoid going off-script when you can.
Offer Ongoing Support
Everything you’ve done so far, even reading this, shows that you care greatly about your loved one who is struggling with substance abuse. If you can, be sure to offer ongoing support in every way that you can.
It isn’t always a 60-day program that scares people out of recovery. Often, it’s the fear of what comes after. Assure your loved ones that they will have support when they return and follow through on your promises as best as possible.
Know When to Back Off
Finally, even if you’ve done everything perfectly, nobody has raised their voice, and you planned everything out as well as you could, there’s no guarantee of success. If your loved one gets angry, frightened, or anxious, they may decide to leave. If that’s the case, don’t escalate the situation.
Following them or trying to push too hard may lead to self-medicating, or it may put them in a dangerous mindset. If you’ve already planted the seed in their head and showed that you have their best interest at heart, you’ve done your part. They may come around, but give them space for now.
Don’t Wait to Find Help
The longer someone goes without treatment for their addiction, the more danger they are in. Your loved one needs you now more than ever, so offer any support that you can and follow through on it if possible. Stay up to date with our latest addiction recovery tips and review our services for more information on treatment plans!