How To Convince A Drug Addict To Get Help
Medically reviewed by
Brenda Munnerlyn, RN, BSNMarch 11, 2019
Those facing addiction in their family often feel alone, but they don’t have to go through this situation without support. Our goal is to provide support and assistance for people seeking treatment for a loved one who’s addicted to drugs. Read on to learn more about what to do to find help today for a family member with an addiction.
Watching someone’s life be destroyed by drugs or alcohol is devastating, especially when that someone is a person close to the individual who’s concerned. We understand that parents and partners greatest desire is to help an addicted family member or friend get the help they need. We also understand that convincing someone to get help for addiction can be difficult.
Talking to a Loved One About Addiction
- Prepare for the Conversation. It’s helpful to talk to a partner or another family member, especially when dealing with addiction in a teen or young adult. Everyone participating in the conversation should be on the same page and share similar thoughts on seeking treatment. A conversation beforehand can help everyone work together to provide a united approach that’s focused on seeking treatment.
- Set Emotions Aside. Dealing with a family member’s addiction is an emotional situation, but it’s important to approach a conversation with the individual when emotions can be set aside. Being angry or judgmental will only put the person being spoken to on the defensive. When this occurs, it becomes difficult to convince the person of anything.
- Explain Boundaries and Consequences. Especially where teens are involved, it’s essential to lay out boundaries and consequences during the conversation. This lets the person know what is expected and what will happen when boundaries are crossed. Throughout the conversation, even when talking about boundaries and consequences, it’s important to remain calm and come from a point of love.
- Be Direct. A direct approach makes it clear that family members are aware of the addiction and want to help the individual get help. It’s better to say, “Your eyes were red and glassy when you came home last night and you were unable to converse with us” than to say, “Something was really suspicious last night”. Being direct puts the problem out in the open, leading the way to conversation.
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Taking the Next Step
- Obtain Support for Yourself. Living with an individual who’s addicted to drugs or alcohol is stressful at best. Their addiction affects the entire family in a variety of different ways. As important as it is to convince the person they need professional treatment, it’s equally important for family members and friends to get the support they need.
- Reach Out for Help. In the midst of a stressful situation such as trying to convince a loved one to get help for addiction, the process of trying to get help can feel overwhelming. Our caring staff members are ready to talk with people seeking effective drug addiction treatment for a family member or loved one.
- Getting Treatment Now. There are times when it can be dangerous to wait for a person to be ready for treatment. According to the National Institute on Drub Abuse, treatment for addiction doesn’t have to be voluntary in order for it to be effective. If a child is addicted to drugs or alcohol, parents can reach out for assistance in finding the best possible treatment to get their child into.
Don’t Give Up Hope
It’s likely that the first conversation a person has with a loved one who’s addicted to drugs may not result in the person getting treatment. Be persistent with efforts to convince the individual to get help. We understand that the emotionally charged desire to get a family member into treatment for addiction can make it frustrating when efforts fail. Contact us for support and assistance in finding the ideal treatment center for a friend or family member who’s dealing with alcohol or drug addiction.
