In 2017, around 71 million people were estimated to have a drug use disorder or addiction. Not only is that 71 million people who are not living their best life, but tens of millions of families who are trying to convince their loved ones to book into drug rehab.
Most people will know from experience that it’s an uncomfortable feeling to be told to do something you don’t want to do. Drug addiction is a disease, and even if someone knows deep down that they have a problem, they aren’t always willing to combat it.
If you are facing the impossible task of trying to tell someone you love that they need help and possibly drug rehab, then read on. Here are a few things that might assist with the process.
Hold an Intervention
Most people have seen an intervention on TV. Family and friends sit around in a circle and talk about how much they care about the drug user and how they need to get help. Even though it might seem cliché, it remains a highly effective method for helping a loved one understand they have a problem.
Social pressure in any other situation is usually a no-no, but when it comes to an addiction, it can often be the soundest method. The goal of an intervention is to first show the user how many people want them to get better and care about them, then provide them with a solution to their problem.
Professional Assistance
If you can’t quite get your loved one to admit they need to go to drug rehab, then maybe a professional can. Someone with years of experience may be able to get through to the person far better than you could – using sound knowledge and factual information that hits home.
Motivate Them
It’s easy to get frustrated and angry with someone you love when they are destroying their body with drugs or alcohol. And the last thing you might feel like doing is motivating them, but it can often be an effective method for making them see they need rehab.
Ask open-ended questions to find out what’s going on with them, and walk away from conversations as soon as they begin to get heated. Demonstrate concern, don’t criticise, and create healthy boundaries. Most importantly, motivate them to take responsibility.
With enough support, encouragement, and backing, they might see that it’s in their best interests to go to drug rehab for the ones they love and that love them back.
Millions of people attend drug rehab every year and come out as success stories. That could be your friend or family member. Create a foundation that inspires and motivates your family member or friend to seek help. It won’t be easy, but it can be worth it.