Addiction is a serious concern in the US that has affected almost everyone in some way or another. Unfortunately, as many as one in 10 Americans will experience substance use disorder at some point in their lives.
Well, many of us have loved ones in need of help, and they could use someone to help them alone. Luckily, that can be you with the right tools. Let’s talk about how to convince a loved one to attend a Florida drug rehab or Florida alcohol detox program as soon as possible.
How To Know When It’s Time To Help
If you’re concerned about a loved one, you probably have a lot of questions about addiction, how it works, and how to help. First, let’s understand the signs that addiction needs treatment.
Although there are many substances that cause addiction, there are plenty of signs to help you determine if they’re addicted. With alcohol, it’s particularly easy, as most people don’t try to hide it the same way they would with an illegal substance.
Moreover, if you notice excessive use of alcohol, abusing their prescription medications, or visible signs of substance abuse, that is a cause for concern. If they are being excessively secretive, lying about their whereabouts, and constantly running out of money, these are causes for concern about illicit substances.
Another common sign is constant sickness. Alcohol and drug withdrawal will often make people sick and cause anxiety, irritability, and other physical and emotional symptoms.
Finally, when their life is being placed in the background, the addiction is likely going too far. When they stop caring about their job, responsibilities at home, family obligations, and their health, then it’s time to step in.
Of course, none of these are tell-all signs (and there are plenty of other signs), but if they add up, then it’s likely an addiction they are trying to hide. If that’s the case, it’s time to help.
Plan An Intervention
There’s a reason that interventions are used so often to help loved ones seek help. They work.
Now, be careful. Interventions are not guaranteed to work by any means. Convincing somebody to go to rehab is like walking on a tightrope.
Many people with substance use disorder (SUD) don’t yet recognize they have a problem. Not only are you trying to convince them to get help, but you are also likely trying to convince them that help is necessary in the first place.
If you put yourself in their shoes for a moment, you’ll understand why yelling at them or belittling them in any way is not going to help your cause. Empathy, compassion, and good intentions are needed in this situation.
Choose The Right People
If other people are attending this intervention, then you must choose the right people. Anyone likely to cause more tension than progress should be omitted, regardless of their connection to your loved one. A one-on-one intervention is better than a group of ten if it’s going to be too uncomfortable for the person in need of help.
For example, you may be inclined to bring in a sibling or another family member who wants to do what’s best for their relative. However, if there was recent hostility between the two, if there is ongoing tension, or if they don’t feel comfortable in such an emotional situation together, then they don’t belong there.
In that case, let them know that it’s nothing personal and that you want what’s best for your loved one.
Have A Clear Message
Ahead of time, anybody who wishes to speak should have a prepared statement. Let them know the expectations in advance, remind them of the objective, and ask if you can review their statements before the intervention.
Remember, judgment is not allowed, neither is berating or belittling. If you want to convince someone to do something, then let them know that you’re advocating for their best interest.
Don’t Make It Awkward
Of course, it’s not going to be the most comfortable setting in the world, and we’re not suggesting that it should be. However, there is no need to make things unnecessarily uncomfortable or to hurt your loved ones’ feelings.
For example, the “blame game” or any type of finger-pointing has no place in this setting. Also, there’s no need to bring up painful memories or harmful actions of your loved ones’ if they don’t serve a purpose.
Saying “it really hurt when you did XYZ, it felt like you were a completely different person, and I know that wasn’t you” is okay. However, giving a list of examples of painful experiences for the purpose of making them feel bad is unnecessary. If you’re unsure about the intentions of a statement you’ve prepared, get rid of it.
Be Patient
If it didn’t work right away, there’s still hope. Unfortunately, you can’t be ready for them, so there’s no sense in chasing after them if they walk away.
However, you’ve planted the seed in their mind that it’s time to get help, that people care about them, and that they’ll have a loving home to return to. That’s the best you can do, so if it’s not enough for an immediate return, then give them the space they need.
Have Options Planned
Before intervening, research options for your loved one. Maybe you will be able to convince them they need help, but if you give them time, they could change their mind.
Instead, have options available for them, understand what they mean, verify their insurance (if possible) and work with them. Here are some of the most common options to choose from.
Luxury Florida Rehab
Of course, convincing someone to attend a luxury rehab facility is a little easier than just saying “go to rehab”. Let them know what a typical day looks like, how treatment will take place, and most importantly, that they will have a safe and loving home to return to.
Luxury rehab centers combine all of the services of an outpatient program, including different therapy services, support groups, and possibly medication treatment. However, rehab will also offer recreational activities and a substance-free environment for patients to thrive.
Usually, rehab stays will last 30, 60, or 90 days. From there, patients can seek ongoing outpatient treatment or choose a sober-living facility to help them reintegrate into their normal lives.
Unfortunately, the relapse rate is between 40 and 60 percent after completing a stay in rehab. It’s important to keep expectations clear and understand how addiction works. Healing isn’t linear, but every patient will be better off after treatment.
Florida Drug Detox
Detox is the bare minimum for the early stages of recovery. Detox is when a person is most likely to relapse, as withdrawal symptoms are so intolerable to many in early recovery.
Although, once it’s done, it gets a lot easier. When followed up with rehabilitation services and proper drug treatment, patients will be best-suited for long-term abstinence.
Florida Alcohol Detox
Similar to drug detox, there are specific services for alcohol detox available, as it is one of the more common substances abused in the country. If alcohol is the substance of choice, look into more specialized treatment options for the best outcomes.
Outpatient Florida Drug Rehab
Outpatient treatment is often similar to inpatient treatment with one major flaw; the lack of a controlled environment. Patients are free to find and abuse substances when outside of a facility.
Consequently, we don’t recommend outpatient treatment for early recovery for most patients. However, it is useful in certain situations.
For example, if somebody has been sober for more than 6 months and they relapse, outpatient treatment is likely enough for that person. If the addiction is new, outpatient treatment like therapy services is probably enough.
However, if the addiction has persisted for longer than a few months and this is their first time quitting, we would only recommend inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment under certain circumstances.
No matter what, any treatment is better than no treatment. If they started with refusing any treatment and you can convince them to attend some type of outpatient treatment, then consider it a success!
Bring Them In!
Now that you know how to prepare and implement an intervention, go over options with your loved one and be prepared to bring them to a Florida drug rehab right away. The sooner they get help, the better. Stay up to date with our latest addiction recovery news and feel free to contact us with any questions!
