Do you know how to talk to someone with an addiction?
The best approach to talking with a loved one about drug or alcohol abuse is one-on-one. Find a good time and quite place to talk to them. Tell them that you are concerned and offer any help that they may need. Always talk calmly and never threaten them that they have to go to rehab. Remember, addictions are an upheaval.
How do you deal with people with addiction?
Jun 10, 2019 · Things you can do to show your support include attending counseling sessions with them, volunteering to take them to group meetings, visiting them in rehab if that option is available. These are some of the ways you can support their journey on their terms and not yours. Help Them Find Help Sometimes people are ashamed of their addiction.
Why is it hard to communicate with someone with an addiction?
Jan 20, 2021 · If you want to convince an addict to go to rehab, show empathy and compassion. Don’t judge, criticize, insult or shame them when approaching them about their addiction. Try One on One Conversation You probably won’t want to start staging an intervention with several people.
Where can I get help if I need help with addiction?
Jan 15, 2019 · 2. Ask Them About Their Ideas on Rehab. Perhaps one of the greatest ways to initiate the conversation of going to rehab is to ask your loved one’s opinion on it. Instead of half-listening to their answer with a premeditated response in mind, hear what they have to say about the topic. You might be surprised to find that they are open to the idea, but they have certain …
What do you say to someone who is an addict?
Avoid calling them names like "addict" or "junkie."2 A person's addiction shouldn't define who they are. Being called an "addict" can feel dehumanizing. Try using person-first language, such as "person with an addiction." I can't believe you're a junkie.Oct 3, 2021
How can you help someone who has an addiction problem?
7 Tips for Helping Someone with an AddictionTip #1: Educate Yourself. Get information about addictions. ... Tip #2: Get Support. ... Tip #3: Get Counseling. ... Tip #4: Seek Specialty Help. ... Tip #5: Don't Enable. ... Tip #6: Have Realistic Expectations. ... Tip #7: Take Care of Yourself.Sep 4, 2013
What are the 5 stages of rehab?
Don't Forget the RehabPhase 1 - Control Pain and Swelling.Phase 2 - Improve Range of Motion and/or Flexibility.Phase 3 - Improve Strength & Begin Proprioception/Balance Training.Phase 4 - Proprioception/Balance Training & Sport-Specific Training.Phase 5 - Gradual Return to Full Activity.
How do you talk to someone with a drug problem?
How should I approach the conversation?Try to find out more about alcohol or drugs first. ... Choose a good time and place to talk. ... Give yourself plenty of time to chat. ... Begin by explaining your concerns. ... Talk about specific times that you've been concerned. ... Listen carefully to what they're saying.More items...
How do you get rid of druggies?
Contact the police.Call from a safe place. Don't place a call where potential dealers can hear or see you. Don't tell suspected dealers that you will call the police.Always contact the police and allow them to handle drug activities. Attempting to stop these crimes yourself may cause you or others harm.
How does addiction affect the brain?
In a person who becomes addicted, brain receptors become overwhelmed. The brain responds by producing less dopamine or eliminating dopamine receptors—an adaptation similar to turning the volume down on a loudspeaker when noise becomes too loud.
What are the 3 phases of rehab?
Athletic trainers (ATs) have traditionally conceptualized rehabilitation programs in terms of 3 distinct physiologic phases: acute injury phase, repair phase, and remodeling phase.
How long is physical reconditioning?
Reconditioning is a group program with individualized, sport- and activity-specific elements. A physical therapist and a strength coach supervise the reconditioning program. A typical reconditioning progression can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 months, depending on the requirements of returning to full activity.
Which is the first step in recovery procedure?
What is the first step? Admitting that you have a problem. It sounds simple, but denial is a major component of addiction.Jan 8, 2021
How does drug use impact relationships?
As drinking or drug use gets worse, it starts to take more and more time away from the couple, taking its toll by creating an emotional distance between the partners that is difficult to overcome. These couples also report that they fight and argue a great deal, which sometimes can become violent.
What does love addiction look like?
Love addiction is often a pattern of intense infatuations and obsessive relationships, as well as a tendency to be desperate and insecure in relationships. A person suffering from a love addiction often seeks the excitement and sexual “rush” of a new relationship but cannot maintain a lasting feeling of attachment.Oct 15, 2020
What do you say to a friend in recovery?
8 Things to Say to Someone in RecoveryI Love You. ... You're Not Alone. ... Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... How Are You Feeling? ... How Can I Help? ... Let's Hang Out. ... I'm Proud of You. ... I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope.May 29, 2019
1. It Is Their Decision
No matter how impassioned, forceful, kind, or convincing you may be during your discussion, remember that getting help is a decision only your loved one can make. You cannot make the decision for them—you can only strongly support them in their decision to go.
2. Ask Them About Their Ideas on Rehab
Perhaps one of the greatest ways to initiate the conversation of going to rehab is to ask your loved one’s opinion on it. Instead of half-listening to their answer with a premeditated response in mind, hear what they have to say about the topic.
3. Have Treatment Options in Mind
Before sitting down with your loved one, take time to do some research about the treatment options available in and around your area. You might be surprised to find an array of different options including:
4. Talk Positively About Detox
If you talk with anyone who has been through the gauntlet of achieving sobriety, chances are they will say that detoxing and going through withdrawals was the worst, most challenging step in getting sober. It’s often this step, too, that scares addicts the most about going to rehab.
5. Reiterate Faith and Positivity
The feelings of anger, frustration, doubt, and resentment towards your loved one have likely reached new heights during their struggles with addiction. When it comes to talking to them about rehab, however, it’s imperative you put these emotions on the back burner and instead come from a place of love, faith, and positivity.
Educate Yourself About Dependency vs. Addiction
The first misconception most people have is that every addictive behavior is an addiction. It’s essential to educate ourselves about the different variables of addiction.
Listen More Than You Talk
Now that you have a basic understanding of the differences, you can listen more than you talk. Whether they’re your loved ones or not, those struggling with addiction genuinely need someone that will listen. Even when you disagree with their behavior, addiction is a complex disease, and those with it need compassion.
Let Go of Labels and Judgment
Individual labels are loaded with negative connotations. These labels — junkie, tweaker, addict, drunks, abusers, alcoholics — bring the person to a shell of themselves. Using these words erases their persona, leaving them to be defined by drugs and addictive behaviors instead.
Set Boundaries for Your Conversation
The most challenging part of speaking with someone about their addiction is setting boundaries. Many times, those struggling with addiction are unaware of how their behavior affects you. After all, most heavy substances leave them in a state of detachment from reality. They have no reason to change.
Support Their Journey
It can be challenging to let them do it their way. After all, you want to help them in every way possible. However, you can offer your help and support without dictating what they must do. Of course, you have to remember your boundaries.
Help Them Find Help
Sometimes people are ashamed of their addiction. The fear of being reported to the police or other authorities often prevents them from seeking help. Offer to do some research for them about how to get help. Even if they decline, you can still find support for yourself.
How to Talk to a Drug Addict & Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Change won’t happen overnight. The person struggling with addiction needs to be ready or determined to start their healing process. Keeping the lines of communication open will help you be there for them whenever they’re ready. However, be mindful that your mental health and wellbeing are also important.
Leave Judgment At The Door
Blaming someone for their addiction only makes things worse. It creates shame in that person, which could send them back to their drugs.
Ask Questions
Ask questions to get them to be honest about how their addiction is affecting them:
Make Sure They Know You Love Them
Overcommunicate your love for them. Make sure they know that you’re having the conversation because you care about them so much. Maintain a kind tone of voice. Avoid any statements or actions that could make them doubt it.
Make It Their Decision
In order for drug rehabilitation to work, it has to be their decision. We’ve all seen the scene in sitcoms: you lure your loved one into a car with an invitation to go shopping or go to a restaurant. Instead, you’re checking them into rehab, kicking, and screaming. That isn’t just unrealistic: it’s dangerous too. No one likes being told what to do.
Importance of Clearing the Drugs from Their System
The mission of detoxification (detox) is to free the body of drugs and alcohol, to cope with withdrawal symptoms, and to identify or treat coexisting medical conditions. There are objections built to help individuals become healthy and sober physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Finding a Supportive Rehab Environment
The environment chosen for drug rehab will play a vital role in the success of recovery. To enroll in rehab at an outpatient center, a residential recovery center, or an inpatient program, the facility chosen should provide a setting that supports sobriety.
Reduce their Exposure to Risk
Clinical studies show that the more extended the stay in a treatment facility, the lower the risk of a relapse will be. Short-term drug rehabilitation programs go on from a few days to two weeks, while more extended drug rehabilitation programs last 90 days or longer.
What is recovery village?
The Recovery Village is a voluntary rehab center , and we would love to get you in touch with an interventionist who can make your next intervention far more effective. Learn more by giving us a call at 888-419-4035. Sources. “DrugFacts: Treatment Statistics.”. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
What is involuntary commitment?
Involuntary commitment. Involuntary commitment, or court-ordered rehab, is an option when the addict is a danger to themselves or others. As of 2011, some form of court-ordered substance abuse treatment is possible in 38 states.
What is intervention specialist?
Professional intervention specialists have helped plenty of people wake up the seriousness of their condition, and they’ll be able to guide the conversation and make sure it’s effective as possible. There are a lot of things that can go wrong during an intervention, and their presence can help minimize mistakes.
Can social pressure force you to go to rehab?
Holding an intervention. Although interventions do not “force” the individual to go to rehab, the social pressure can be extremely effective and should be your main focus whenever possible.
Is addiction a disease?
But actually, the success rates between those went to rehab voluntarily and those who were forced to go are very similar. Addiction is a disease that affects the brain. And like any other disease, treatment will have a similar result regardless of whether or not the patient actually desires it.
Why is it so hard to communicate with someone with addiction?
Communicating with someone who has an addiction can also be hard if you have a history of supporting the person's addictive behavior . 2 . Although people who have lived and worked with people with addictions may have discovered effective ways to communicate, it is always difficult, because of the confusion addiction creates in the person with ...
Why is addiction so stigmatized?
Addiction is so stigmatized in our society, that people who have addictions expect others to criticize, insult, and belittle them, and for friends and family to reject them. By accepting the person with an addiction, even if you don't accept their behavior, you can start to build bridges to forgiveness and recovery. 2.
How to contact the SAMHSA?
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Is motivation for change higher than motivation for change?
Although your motivation for change may be higher than their motivation for change, through counseling this may start to shift once the person with an addiction starts to benefit and realizes that you are also willing to look at yourself and make changes, too. 3 
Can you talk to someone who has an addiction?
No one automatically knows how to talk to someone living with an addiction. 1  If you are also going through the shock of just having discovered a loved one has an addiction, you have a recipe for poor communication.
Do addicts confide in you?
Whether they are a loved one or not, a person with an addiction is more likely to confide in you about what is really going on for them if you listen without interrupting or criticizing. 2  Even if you do not agree with their behavior, addictions happen for a reason.
