How to Help an Addict That Refuses Treatment
Originally posted on https://www.northernillinoisrecovery.com/rehab-blog/how-to-help-an-addict-that-refuses-treatment/
Helping someone overcome an addiction can be one of the most challenging moments in your life. You may not know how to help an addict that refuses treatment. Furthermore, all of your attempts to help them join a family therapy program in Northern IL have been in vain.
However, there is hope. With the help of family, friends, and a treatment specialist, you may be able to encourage a loved one or friend to get treatment although they do not initially want to. Below are some strategies that may increase your chances of success.
1. Intervention
An intervention may be your last resort (or your first depending on your situation). However, it may also be your most effective way of helping someone in denial. An intervention usually involves you, the person addicted to the substance, and a mediator. In an intervention, you confront the person head-on and tell them that they need to go to rehab.
An intervention needs to be staged. You need to know what, where, when, and how it is going to happen. You also need to know what you are going to say, prepare for the responses, and prepare any reactions. Your best option is to enlist the help of a treatment specialist or other addiction professional if possible. They can guide you through the process of intervention.
2. Be Supportive, Not Condemning
Addicts are already surrounded by negativity – much of which they have created on their own. While it is understandable to become angry, projecting your anger, depression, or negative emotions at the addicted person will not help them. Furthermore, it is likely to drive them away.
When confronting someone about their addiction, you need to be firm but supportive. Do not let them lie to you, make excuses for their behavior, or promise that they will quit. On the other hand, do not yell at them, blame them for all the current problems, or degrade them. Instead, state the facts and let them know that they have your support. Be encouraging and positive. You are more likely to win someone over.
3. Stop Enabling Them
There is a difference between empathy and feeling sorry for your loved one. If you continue to feel sorry for them, you may give them money, allow them to continue making excuses, or continue using your substance.
Enabling your family member or friends does not help them. It only allows them to continue spiraling into an unhealthy addiction. You need to make a clear boundary and work toward getting the other person in a treatment center. Doing so may save their life and keep your sanity.
Learn How to Help an Addict That Refuses Treatment
We offer resources, education, and intervention for all types of drug and alcohol addiction, including:
If you need to find out more about how to help an addict that refuses treatment, then contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center today. Call us at 8557861978, to learn more about our family therapy program in Northern IL.