5 Steps: How To Get Someone Into Rehab

Anyone who has a family member addicted to drugs or alcohol knows that getting them into rehab is no easy task. It's important for the addict to have a support system and be encouraged by those around them in order to make it through treatment, so do your best not just as their loved one but also as an advocate. Whether you're taking care of someone with addiction on a daily basis or only visiting occasionally, there are some things you can do to help them get back on track.

If you are in the position of trying to help a loved one, then this article will give you some insight into how to go about the process. These 5 steps should help guide you on the right path towards getting them admitted!

Step 1: Look for rehab centers in the area that suit their needs

The very first step is to do your research first. Yes, this comes even before you try talking to your loved one about the possibility of going into rehab. By being ready with this information, you are being solutions-oriented and proactive.

Look into different treatment centers in your area that offer the services your loved one needs. Make a shortlist of the treatment centers in your area and call them to get more information about their services, rules, costs, and whether they accept insurance or if they have payment plans.

It's good to have a few options available so that when you finally sit down with your loved one, you'll have different choices to offer them. This sets up an environment where there is no pressure on deciding right away and that you're valuing their opinion as well.

Step 2: Plan the talk or intervention

When it comes to talking to your loved one or staging an intervention, timing is everything. You just don't blurt it out of the blue that you think they should go to rehab. If you don't plan the time and place where you'll speak with your loved one, it could be a disaster.

You want to be in an environment that is cozy and calm, where you have time to talk without the distractions of other people. Plan on having this talk at home or in a private place when your loved one isn't busy with work or children so they can focus entirely on what you're saying. And try not to make it late in the evening because doing it at the end of the day when they are already tired or stressed out may just compound any anxiety they may already feel about listening to their concerns from friends and family members who are worried about them.

If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, consult with a professional interventionist. A professional interventionist is trained to keep the session calm, focused, and productive. You will also be advised on how to phrase your dialogue when talking to your loved one.

Step 3: Talk to your loved one

Whether you have a professional interventionist or you're doing the intervention by yourself, talking to your loved one about rehab will never be easy. It's tough to tell someone you care about that they have a problem and that you want them to go away for an extended period of time.

It may be possible that your loved one will feel betrayed or defensive so make it clear that you are doing this because you care for them. Expect that they may react violently but it's very important that you stay calm and don't let your emotions get the best of you. The more rational you are, the more likely your loved one will be to listen.

At this point, you can present the different rehab options that you've already gathered. Discuss the different facility features and their services. By having this info ready, you can start showing them that going to rehab is not all that bad as they may think.

Step 4: Help them prepare for rehab

If your loved one agrees to go to rehab, you should help them prepare for the process. This is a way to show your support and show them that you are there for their journey.

Some things that you can help them with include the following:

Pack their clothes and belongings

Assign someone to take care of their kids and pets

Arrange for a car service or taxi cab to pick them up and drop them off at the rehab facility

Settling their bills and receiving mail or packages on their behalf

Step 5: Show your support and love

Rehab can be a difficult process. It will not always be easy to maintain the connection with your loved ones while they are in rehab but you should never give up on them if they need help getting sober again.

Be available for them if they need someone to talk to when in rehab or if required, attend a family counseling session with them. You can also be there for them when they are released from rehab. You can also show you are supportive of their recovery journey by helping them avoid relapse triggers like removing alcohol at home or not reminding them of things that may cause them to relapse.

Getting a loved one into rehab can be difficult, but it is worth the effort. If you need help finding a rehab center for them or would like to know more about how we can help your loved one get sober again, contact Anaheim Lighthouse today. We will work with you and provide resources that may make this process easier for everyone involved.