How to Get Someone to Go to Rehab

Seeing someone you care about struggling with addiction is one of the most challenging things to endure. But how do you get someone to go to rehab? Encouraging a loved one to seek help for addiction can be difficult.

You may wonder how your loved one will react and what steps you can take to assist in getting them help. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we specialize in effective, evidence-based treatment for addiction. 

We recognize that receiving this care isn’t an easy step for most. We’re here to provide guidance and tips for helping someone receive the rehab and addiction treatment they deserve. 

Understanding the Need for Rehab

Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, but also the lives of the people that care about them. Making the decision to go to rehab is an important step for the well-being of the individual, as well as their family and loved ones. Seeking treatment through addiction rehab is important for overcoming the effects of addiction on one’s life. 

Some people believe that addiction is something that can be controlled by the person suffering from it. That if they wanted to, they could simply stop. This isn’t how addiction works. Addiction is a chronic disease, and it affects both the mind and the body. It’s a rare occurrence when someone is able to achieve long-term recovery from addiction on their own, without professional help. 

Addiction rehab offers the tools needed to overcome addiction. This includes providing a structured and safe environment, professional guidance from addiction recovery experts, and access to evidence-based therapies. All of these are essential tools for helping an individual achieve sobriety. 

By understanding the importance of rehab, loved ones are in a better position to help the person they care about seek treatment that addresses both the physical dependence on drugs or alcohol and the underlying issues that may contribute to substance use. 

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we are always here to answer questions and help you learn more about what the recovery process includes. We also suggest visiting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website as a valuable resource for information. 

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

In the early stages of addiction, some of the more subtle signs of a problem may be easy to miss or dismiss as being related to something else. For example, behavioral changes might be blamed on stress or other situations happening in a person’s life. 

It’s common for loved ones to second-guess themselves in identifying the signs of addiction. However, if you think something is wrong and that substance use may be a factor, chances are good that you’re right.

Some of the most common signs of substance abuse and addiction include:

• Behavioral changes, including frequent irritability and mood swings 
• Withdrawal from family and social activities
• Secretive behavior
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school 
• Changes in appetite 
• Weight changes 
• Changes in personal hygiene 
• Frequent illnesses 
• Increased tolerance to alcohol or drugs

Approaching the Conversation with Care

Approaching someone about the possibility of seeking rehab requires a careful and sometimes delicate approach. It’s difficult to predict how someone will react and whether they’ll be receptive. Approaching the conversation with care greatly affects how your concern is received. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when approaching this conversation. 

• Choose a place and time that is quiet and when interruptions are minimized. 
• Use “I” statements, which allow you to express your concern without sounding accusatory or placing blame. For example, use “I’m worried about you” rather than “You are worrying me with your behaviors.” 
• Keep the main focus on how the addiction is affecting their health and well-being. Avoid making it sound as though your concerns are more about how the addiction is affecting others. 
• Brace yourself for a defensive reaction and practice remaining calm
• Avoid turning the conversation into a confrontation
• Do not use ultimatums or threats at this point. It’s ok to state your personal boundaries, but it’s more helpful to keep this conversation focused on trying to get help. 
• Know when to end the conversation. If you feel as though you are hitting a wall, or that your loved one is becoming agitated, allow yourself to end the conversation. 
• Consider an intervention with the help of an addiction care professional. 

Choosing the Right Rehab Program

Taking the initiative to help your loved one find the right addiction rehab center can relieve some of the stress that comes with seeking treatment. The right addiction treatment program is key to successful recovery and ongoing support. 

Details like the level of care are important to consider. Are you looking for an addiction treatment center that offers inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment? Also, consider the continuum of care that is offered. Different levels of structure and support can help your loved one move more successfully through their journey to recovery. 

It’s also crucial to learn about the rehab center’s approach to treatment. Do they offer evidence-based treatments, group therapy, and complementary holistic methods? What about medication-assisted therapy or dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health concerns? 

Finally, don’t overlook details like accreditation, licensing, and reputation. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we encourage you and your loved one to reach out to us for information about our addiction treatment programs and our approach to care and long-term support. 

The Importance of Offering Support and Encouragement 

Entering addiction rehab can be a daunting experience for your loved one. You can help make this process less difficult by offering support and encouragement. Make sure to reassure them that getting help for addiction is not a weakness, but rather a strength they should be proud of. Offer to help them figure out the practical matters, such as transportation, missing work, or taking care of kids. 

Be there for them, and be patient with the process. It may take time for your loved one to commit, and you may want to visit multiple addiction treatment centers before feeling comfortable with your choice. 

How to Help a Loved One Seek Treatment in Massachusetts 

Encouraging someone to seek treatment for their addiction is a process that requires patience and an empathetic approach. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we understand our role is supporting your loved one through this difficult journey. We encourage you to reach out to us at 844-486-0671. We’re here to answer your questions and help your loved one take the first step toward addiction recovery.