How do you convince an alcoholic to go to rehab? This task might seem to be about as difficult as wrangling a wild horse or trying to swat a bug with a running car. As hard as it might appear, though, you can find a way to convince a loved one or a friend to attend rehabilitation, even if they dig in their heels and try to fight with every breath in their body. Keep in mind that they have developed a chemical attachment to their drug, and sending them to rehab will be the equivalent of cutting off a limb. In this case, consider that limb an infection that needs to be severed. Even if they hate you at the beginning, they will thank you later. Let’s take a closer look at how you can get an alcoholic to go to rehab.
Stop Protecting Them
In many cases, family members will attempt to hide or cover up their loved one’s drinking problems, to the point that they actually condone the sickness. At times, they may make excuses for the alcoholic or provide resources to help them out of dangerous situations. Although these may seem like acts of love, this process is only making the sickness worse. If you really want to help an alcoholic in your family, you need to exercise tough love. Stop protecting them, and you are taking away one shard of dependence.
Intervention Time
Now that you have made the initiative to stop helping an alcoholic in your family, you can get started to planning the intervention, something that will no doubt put a sour taste in your mouth (and for good reason). Interventions can range from mild and emotional to a flood of rage and violence, depending on the alcoholic’s personality or degree of sickness. Here are some tips to help you in any case:
- Pick the right time for the intervention.
- Be honest and tell the addict why this is taking place.
- Lay down the law and explain how, if the addict does not take action, certain consequences must be met.
- If your family member decides to get help, contact a center immediately (or a treatment facility that you have previously called).
- If your family member does not want to get help, contact a friend or a family member to help you stage the intervention.
- Get support for yourself through groups like Al-Anon (for adults dealing with friends or family members who are addicts) and Alateen (designed for tees in the same boat).
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Out of all the drugs in the United States, alcohol might be one of the most dangerous simply due to its availability alone. Unlike prescription opioids, booze is everywhere, even in stores where parents take their children. However, just because it is one of the most popular partying pastime tools does not mean you have to take party any longer. You can easily overcome your dangerous habit or sickness, with just a little bit of perseverance and self-love.
If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
