What do you say to someone who is 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
What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?
If Your Loved One Is Refusing Treatment:Positively Encourage Them.When All Else Fails, Don't Use Guilt. ... Offer Support. ... Stop Funding. ... Start With The Medical Approach. ... Decipher The Situation. ... Educate Yourself. ... Admit It To Yourself. If you're in denial, it's not helping anyone. ... More items...•Nov 12, 2021
Can I make my mother go to rehab?
You cannot force someone to change. You cannot make them quit drinking or even drink less. You cannot make them go to rehab.Oct 25, 2021
Can my parents send me to rehab?
A parent or legal guardian can put a person under the age of 18 into a rehab program without their permission.Aug 1, 2018
How do you do a family intervention?
An intervention usually includes the following steps:Make a plan. A family member or friend proposes an intervention and forms a planning group. ... Gather information. ... Form the intervention team. ... Decide on specific consequences. ... Make notes on what to say. ... Hold the intervention meeting. ... Follow up.
Are there different levels of addiction?
While there are many factors that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, ...
What are side effects of naltrexone?
Common and Serious Side Effects of Naltrexonenausea.sleepiness.headache.dizziness.vomiting.decreased appetite.painful joints.muscle cramps.More items...
What are the substance of abuse?
Substance abuse, as a recognized medical brain disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Or it may be the abuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse.
How do you know if your mom is on drugs?
Some signs that someone may be under the influence of a drug include:Enlarged pupils, bloodshot or glassy eyes.Increased energy and confidence.Loss of inhibitions.Loss of coordination.Aggressive behaviour.Trembling, twitches.Paranoia (being extremely suspicious)More items...
Can you force your child to go to therapy?
If a child is absolutely dead-set on going to therapy, and there are no safety worries like self harm or suicidal thoughts, forcing a child to go to therapy can do more harm than good. It reinforces the idea that therapy isn't really for helping, it's a punishment for bad behavior.Jun 17, 2021
Tell your loved one that you admire their courage for attending rehab and changing their life
It can be very difficult for someone to admit that they have a drug or alcohol addiction and need help. Addicted individuals often feel shame, isolation, guilt, depression, and a fear of being judged for their addiction. They don’t want to be seen as weak or at fault for their substance abuse.
Reassure them that as long as they stick to their treatment plan, you will offer support and encouragement
The road to recovery may seem long and bump at times, particularly when therapy touches on painful issues that may be hard for your loved one to face. They may feel alone and vulnerable, especially if they previously leaned on drug or alcohol abuse rather than dealing with emotional difficulties.
Remind them that treatment centers are effective at helping patients recover from substance addiction while also keeping them safe
It may be normal for your loved one to doubt the treatment process while they are away at rehab. This may be because they’ve been confronted with emotional issues or problems they’d rather not deal with. This may be because they’re experiencing intense cravings for drugs or alcohol and have a desire to drop out of treatment.
Help them identify and avoid triggers once they finish rehab and re-enter the community
Once your loved one’s inpatient rehab program is over, they will have to re-enter the community and it may be a difficult transition for them. This is because during rehab they were away from their everyday using environment and could focus on their recovery. But back home, they will be faced with drug-using triggers that could lead to a relapse.
If your loved one relapses, remind them that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process, and encourage them to re-enter treatment
Relapse does not necessarily mean that addiction treatment failed. Because substance addiction is a chronic condition, some people may return to drug or alcohol use at some point throughout their recovery process. Relapse rates for substance use are between 40-60%, similar to those of other chronic conditions, such as hypertension and asthma. 2
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Why do parents need to be involved in rehab?
Parents often play an instrumental role in connecting their adult children to rehab, in part because those children often lack both the motivation and ability to initiate treatment on their own due to the disordered thinking of addiction. As such, you must likely take the lead when it comes to finding a rehab center.
What is rehab for kids?
Rehab requires that your child takes responsibility for their own well-being; no one else can do that for them, including you. That can be a difficult thing to hear, particularly if you have taken on a caretaking or enabling role during active addiction.
How does family involvement help with addiction?
Family involvement has been shown again and again to be a critical part of the recovery process and significantly improve treatment outcomes for people struggling with addiction. “Addiction therapy is supported heavily by positive and frequent family involvement,” says Steven Gifford, a counselor specializing in addiction. “The support that a family provides to a patient recovering from addiction is essential to that patient’s success, and residential centers will often have not only visitation throughout the week or on weekends, but will also provide educational programs for family members.” Take advantage of these opportunities; they are critical pieces of the recovery puzzle and will help you better recognize what your adult child is going through so that you can gain a clearer understanding of their struggles and the possibilities of healing. It will also allow you to provide meaningful support and show your child that you are there for them through this difficult time, which can be a tremendous gift.
Why is it important to have meaningful support for adult children?
Having meaningful supports is critical to ensuring that recovery is a positive experience and that you are able to develop a healthy sense of self beyond your adult child’s addiction.
What is the best way to get a child off drugs?
Science-based rehab, however, is the best option for getting your child off drugs. This means that the treatment program must work from an understanding of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that requires medical intervention, not empty platitudes. It means that treatment is tailored to your child’s needs and supports ...
Do feelings disappear when a child goes to rehab?
These feelings do not simply disappear when your child enters rehab. In fact, they often bubble to the surface during this time because you finally get a break from living crisis to crisis; the perpetual emergency of active addiction can be very effective in obscuring your vast range of emotions.
Does addiction restore an adult child?
Many believe—often unconsciously—that treatment will restore their adult child to an imagined “before”—that addiction is an aberration within an otherwise consistent life narrative to which your family will return after rehab.
What to say to a child struggling with alcohol?
These seven messages are easy for parents to keep in mind and would be wonderful for any son or daughter to hear. 1. “I love you.”.
What is the temptation to return to old habits?
The temptation to return to old habits is always lingering in the wings. Each morning, your child makes a new decision about what path he will take that day. It gets easier down the road, but it is a challenge for someone new to recovery. Kids that make healthy choices deserve our respect.
Who is Cathy from a parent coach?
Cathy, a former educator, is a certified parent coach. She helps other parents who are struggling because of their child's substance use. In her private practice, Cathy uses a science-based program backed by 40 years of clinical research. She uses tools to empower parents to motivate their young adult or teen to seek recovery. The outreach that Cathy has created provides a forum for those who need support to care for themselves or their loved ones.
Can you give money to a child for drugs?
One caution is not to give money that your child could use for drugs or alcohol. Help can come in a variety of other forms. It is a question that gives your child the opportunity to consider what could help him change. Think of ways that you can help that will give your child the chance to start again.
How to deal with an addiction in a relationship?
Share your feelings about how the addiction has affected your relationship. Be open about the damage their substance abuse has caused. If you’re not ready to speak to them, consider writing a letter instead. It’s important to note that violence should never get tolerated in any relationship.
How to stay positive in rehab?
Reinforce these points to help them stay positive during rehab: 1 They are taking action to get their life back in control 2 They are seeking help from professionals skilled in addiction recovery 3 They are working towards curing their addiction 4 They will be meeting and interacting with other people who have been through the same experiences and emotional traumas 5 They will get surrounded by positive influences in a safe environment
What are the advantages of gaining a support group while in rehab?
Discuss the advantages of them gaining a support group while in rehab. They will also get psychological help through therapy and counseling. It also helps to focus on features they will enjoy at rehab like meditating , painting, yoga, and making new friends.
How to help someone who is struggling with addiction?
Communicate Thoughts of Encouragement. When someone you love is struggling with an addiction, it’s important to keep communication honest and open. These signs show that it’s time for a loved one to consider rehab. Once they agree to get help, be sure to let them know how much you admire them for their decision.
How to deal with an addict who is bitter?
But do your best to stay neutral during your conversations. Don’t place blame or make them feel guilty for past actions while under the influence. Try to maintain an even tone of voice and use words to explain emotions.
Why is it important to keep family members focused on the positive aspects of rehab?
It’s important to keep family members focused on the positive aspects of rehab. This will help them to understand that they are embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Is it okay to show tough love?
You can expect behavior changes when dealing with a wife or husband in rehab. They may do and say things that they wouldn’t otherwise. It’s okay to show tough love to ensure they get the help they need.
What to say to someone recovering from addiction?
The stigma of drug or alcohol addiction may have made it even harder. Simple expressions of love, care, and validation will count for a lot in their healing process. Once they realize that they are loved and that they matter to the world, they will be one big step ahead in their recovery.
Why can't I be there for my loved ones?
They may be extremely worried about not contributing income, not taking care of their kids, and generally being a burden on others. This is when you can tell them to put themselves and their recovery first. Only once they’ve completed their treatment will they be in a good position to help out again.
Is rehab easy?
Most people think the rehabilitation process is as easy as checking in, checking out, and then leaving sober. But the road to full recovery is full of bumps. There’s even a chance that your loved one will relapse. It will make a big difference for you to affirm that rehab isn’t easy, and that there are definite stumbling blocks to healing. That way, they can forgive themselves for any mistakes and be less discouraged about their rehabilitation journey.
Is rehab hard on a person?
Maybe they’ve given themselves an internal deadline to achieve sobriety, or maybe they’re comparing themselves to others undergoing rehab. If this is the case, they may be harsh on themselves or not giving themselves enough of a chance. You can tell them to breathe, relax a little, and trust that they will recover at the pace that’s best for them.
Why do we write letters to rehab patients?
Writing a letter to a loved one in rehab will allow you to express your emotions and your support to your loved one . Giving yourself time to craft what you want to say will help you ...
What happens when you have a loved one with an addiction?
Let’s face it: When you have a loved one in active drug or alcohol addiction, communication isn’t easy. Talks that often start out with the best of intentions can end in arguments, yelling, cursing, passive-aggressive remarks, indifference, avoidance, depression, frustration, tears – sometimes even threats.
Why is it important to talk to each other?
Despite the importance of communication in relationships and life, the ability to talk to each other is one of the first skills that can be lost to addiction. Communication turns into a vicious cycle where we feel powerless and confused, while our addicted loved ones feel isolated and ashamed. As we lose the ability to share feelings, emotions ...
Can you speak to someone during a blackout?
If a “ blackout period” is instated at the treatment facility your loved one attends, you may be unable to speak to your loved one directly over the phone. Whether or not your loved one has phone privileges, it’s important to recognize other forms of communication – for example, writing a letter.
What to do before a loved one leaves rehab?
Before your loved one leaves rehab, he will sit down with counselors and develop a detailed aftercare plan. This will make his transition back into the “real” world much easier.
What to do if your loved one relapses?
Be Afraid of Sparking a Relapse Despite the myths, nothing you do or say you can cause him to relapse; you simply don’t have that much power. If your loved one relapses, it’s not your fault. You didn’t force him to do anything. Be honest about your feelings, without the fear of the consequences.
How to avoid making your own recovery plan?
Avoid Making Your Own Recovery Plan This is especially important if your addicted loved one is a teenager or still living at home. Make sure the plan has doable, realistic goals and consequences if he fails to meet those goals. Bring up the Past It’s a given that your loved one hurt you with his drug use.
What does "bring up the past" mean?
Bring up the Past It’s a given that your loved one hurt you with his drug use. But since he’s completed a rehab program and is taking the right steps to move forward, you should be doing the same. Staying bogged down in the past is a surefire way to remain stagnant in misery.
