Learn How to Get Someone Into Rehab

When you see someone you love in the throes of addiction, it’s hard to understand how to help and how to get someone into addiction treatment willingly. They may have covered up the need for substance abuse help and support for a long time, but it’s now apparent that they need assistance. At Peace Valley Recovery, we want to help. Here is more information on addiction and how you can approach the need for drug treatment.

At Peace Valley Recovery, we focus on a whole-body, “holistic,” approach to addiction that treats the mind, body and spirit. The options that are open to an addict may vary from facility to facility, and choosing the right one can be confusing. That’s why we encourage you to speak with a substance abuse counselor. A substance abuse counselor will walk you through the options and consider the unique aspects of your personal situation to guide you toward the right kind of addiction treatment program. Any time you speak with a substance abuse counselor, the information you provide remains completely private.

Speaking with someone who is addicted to drugs, requires  a non-confrontational approach. Start by finding the right time and place, maybe when you’re driving together on a long car ride or when you’re relaxing at home. Make sure the person is sober when you approach them.

The most important part of this conversation is your tone. This is not the time to be aggressive, angry. or judgmental. You’re most likely to see a positive response if you use phrases like, “I feel scared when you take drugs,” rather than accusatory statements like, “You always lose control! Why can’t you just stop?”

Of course, there have to be consequences to the conversation, too. By talking to your loved one about their addiction, you are taking a stand against it. Tell them it has to change and explain the consequences of refusing treatment. It might be moving them out of the house or refusing to give them money; whatever it is, stand strong and follow through if they don’t seek addiction treatment.

In certain circumstances it’s possible to force a person to enter an addiction facility. For example, if the person needing rehabilitation is under 18, then a parent or guardian could enroll them in rehabilitation against their will. However, Peace Valley Recovery only accepts clients over the age of consent.

In addition, select states, such as Pennsylvania and Vermont, have an involuntary commitment law in place for drug addiction. State specific data can be accessed online.

An intervention is an important part of addressing drug addiction. It may be something as simple as a heart-to-heart discussion between two people about the possibility of entering substance abuse treatment, or it could be a group effort, where family and close friends get together to discuss the growing problem. An intervention is usually carefully planned and may include the support of a substance abuse counselor, doctor or other professional.

During the intervention, the group confronts the person abusing drugs or alcohol with the goal of getting them to accept treatment. During the intervention, you typically:

• Provide specific examples of the behaviors that have impacted friends or family of the addict
• Offer a treatment plan that has been prearranged for the person
• Discuss the consequences of not accepting treatment

After a successful intervention, the individual will immediately leave to go to a treatment center while they’re still in a receptive state of mind.

Checking into drug rehabilitation is the next step in the recovery journey. If this is the first interaction with the facility that’s been chosen, then a pre-intake screening is usually performed. This screening identifies more about the patient, the drugs they’ve been using, how long they’ve been addicted to drugs and their treatment history. The facility will also ask about underlying health conditions or mental health concerns. Other topics that may be brought up include:

• Any history of psychiatric care
• A list of current medications
• Family history
• Family life
• Legal issues
• Employment conditions
• History of abuse or trauma

With all this information, the facility will have a better idea of how to approach care for your loved one.

After completing the pre-screening, financing is next. The facility will talk to you about:

• General costs of treatment
• Deductibles if there’s insurance involved
• Scholarships for patients (if they are available)
• Financing options
• Recommended level of care

Once this is handled, travel will be discussed. If you are planning an intervention, it’s smart to discuss travel arrangements for immediate transport to the facility. If a patient has already agreed to get substance abuse treatment but wants to choose their own facility, then they may opt to have a family friend or someone else they know take them to the facility.

There are dozens of ways you can support an addict who is in recovery. One of the most important ways is to make sure they know you’re there to listen and help when they need it. Sometimes, they may reach out and ask for help directly. Sometimes, they won’t. What’s most important is just knowing you are there and available if they do need support.

You can also ask them what they need and discuss what you can provide. Let them know when the best times are and, if they try to contact you within those timeframes, be available.

Another massive way to support someone in treatment is to learn more about the recovery process. If you’re better informed, you can come from a place of knowledge instead of ignorance when discussing their issues and promoting their recovery moving forward.

On top of educating yourself, you’ll want to be honest and to encourage your loved one to be responsible. Part of recovering and staying sober is being responsible for your actions and being able to take constructive feedback as you improve. As someone supporting a person in treatment, you can encourage responsibility by providing advice or explaining that they are in control of the final outcome of this treatment plan.

Of course, there will be times when you’re not available or can’t be supportive for your own reasons. In those cases, it’s smart to have others on board to support your loved one, too. This can and should be a group effort in which multiple people are raising the addict up, rather than leaving them alone to try to cope with all the changes they’re going through. A good recovery plan always has multiple supports, so don’t think you have to be the only person who supports your loved one.