How to Help A Loved One Get Addiction Treatment

Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse disorders, including addictions involving illicit drugs, alcohol, and prescription drugs, as well. If you have a loved one who’s struggling with addiction, it’s natural to want to do something — anything — to help.

While you can’t force someone into treatment, you can play a meaningful role in helping them feel supported, understood, and ready to take that first step. In this post, Temika Heyward, PhD, FNP, CRNP, PMH, and the team at Conduit Behavioral Health show you how. 

1. Educate yourself

Addiction is more than just using drugs or alcohol. It’s a complex medical condition that involves both physical and psychological impacts, as well as social factors that aren’t always easy to identify.

Before encouraging a loved one to seek treatment, it’s important to learn as much as you can about addiction, so you can talk to them from a place of compassionate and informed understanding. 

Becoming familiar with treatment options like therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), outpatient programs, and detox services also helps you guide them more effectively. You’ll find lots of information online, and support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon can be good resources, too.

2. Be ready to talk — and ready to listen

Starting the conversation is often the hardest step. It’s essential to approach the issue calmly and without judgment to help your loved one feel less defensive. Choose a private moment, focus on what you’ve observed, and be sure to use words that show real rather than criticism, reassuring your loved one that you’re speaking up because you care about their well-being. 

During your exchange, it’s also extremely important to listen closely and quietly, without judgment or interruptions. Being a good listener helps your loved one feel supported and cared for, reducing the chance that they’ll simply shut down and refuse your efforts.

3. Encourage treatment — but don’t pressure

Supportive encouragement can definitely make a big difference, but pressure or ultimatums tend to have the opposite effect. Rather than trying to persuade through guilt or fear, focus on the benefits of treatment — better health, more stability, restored relationships, and a renewed sense of control over their own life, goals, and future.

Most importantly, pay attention to how your loved one responds. Don’t be too pushy, and take your cues from how receptive they are to your involvement in what is undeniably a highly personal and perhaps deeply upsetting issue for them.

4. Offer practical help when they’re ready

Even when someone wants help, the logistics of treatment can feel overwhelming. Offering practical support — making phone calls, researching insurance coverage, looking into programs, or driving them to an appointment — helps remove obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from taking that first, all-important step in seeking treatment.

5. Prioritize patience and understanding

Addiction recovery is different for every person, and it’s rarely a simple, straightforward process. Your loved one may experience a range of emotions including denial, fear, guilt, or anger along the way. 

Staying patient and responding with empathy and understanding helps maintain your role as a steady source of support your loved one can turn to for encouragement and support throughout the process. In turn, being emotionally present keeps them connected and helps prevent feelings of isolation that could prompt them to resume their addictive behaviors.

Compassionate, tailored addiction treatment

Beating addiction is a personal journey that requires custom care and empathy. When your loved one is ready, our team will be here. To learn more about the programs we offer or to schedule a visit for your loved one, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Heyward and the team at Conduit Behavioral Health in Baltimore, Maryland, today.