It’s difficult to watch a loved one battling with addiction especially when they keep telling you they don’t have a problem or they refuse to talk to a professional. So then the question; “how to help a drug addict who doesn’t want help?” You may think that forcibly taking them to rehab or constantly bringing up the subject will make them give in.
However, even though you may have the best intentions, you may make things worse. That doesn’t mean you can’t help the individual; you just need to know what to do. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post. If you take the steps recommended by Asheville addiction experts, you just may get your loved one to accept the care they need.
How To Help A Drug Addict Who Doesn’t Want Help
Can A Reluctant Addict Be Helped?
It is often debated if an addict can be treated if they don’t want help. Many people argue that the individual must have a desire to quit. However, addicts typically don’t want to quit. The effect of the drug is so strong that they can’t think rationally while in active addiction. Since they depend on a particular substance or substances to feel normal, they will justify their continued use or make excuses as to why they can’t stop. They may also say they’re going to get treatment but then keep putting it off.
Some addicts only seek treatment when their spouse files for divorce or they lose custody of their children. Others go to a treatment facility because they are ordered by the court or their addiction has finally landed them in hospital. Even in these cases, addicts can go on to achieve long-term sobriety.
That being said, despite what you may have seen on television, an addict doesn’t have to hit rock bottom before they seek treatment. If you wait for your loved one to ask for help, they may lose their job, get arrested, or even suffer a medical emergency. Identifying the problem in the early stages and seeking help is most effective when dealing with substance abuse. However, your loved one’s recovery is not your responsibility and there is only so much you can do. Let’s look at the options available to you.
More Ways to Help Your Loved One
One of the first things you should do is learn as much as you can about their particular addiction. Before you approach the individual, do some research on addiction, detox, withdrawal, and treatment. These will vary somewhat depending on the type of drug involved and whether the person is using more than one drug. When you’re armed with sufficient information, you’ll be calmer and more confident when you talk to them.
Next, you should let your loved one know that they have your support. When you have the conversation, try not to sound like you’re judging them. Remember that while drug use may be a choice, drug addiction is an illness. Let the individual know that you’re aware of the challenges they’re facing and encourage them to seek help. You should also provide them with some treatment options.
Sometimes relatives and friends threaten to take certain actions if their loved one doesn’t seek treatment. However, they never follow through. They continue providing a place to sleep or they open their door no matter what time the individual shows up. This helps to enable the person’s addiction. If you tell the individual that there will be consequences to their actions, you must follow through. Maybe you’ll stop lending them money or you’ll ask them to move out. Putting boundaries in place may seem harsh but it’s necessary.
You’ll likely find it helpful to talk to an addiction treatment professional instead of trying to handle the situation alone. If you can, seek expert advice before the situation worsens. A professional can provide you with the resources and techniques that may help a drug addict take the first step.
Throughout the process, you must ensure you take care of yourself. Even if you can’t convince the individual to see a professional, you should look after your mental health. Individual counseling and support groups can provide you with the tools you need to get through this time.
Contact Asheville Recovery Center for Help
You can educate your loved one and encourage them to see a treatment professional, but you can’t control their thoughts or actions. Contact one of the best rehab centers in North Carolina and let us assist you in helping as much as possible. When the individual is ready to enter treatment, they will benefit from the wide range of programs we offer at Asheville Recovery Center that can be tailored to their specific needs.
