It’s never easy to convince someone they need professional help for their substance use. Asking or advising a loved one to get professional help can be a delicate process, one with little guarantee of success. Still, the practice of patience, empathy, and understanding can go a long way toward finding success. The first step involves open and honest communication, expressing concern without judgment. Researching suitable treatment options beforehand can help provide a clear plan, demonstrating your commitment to their recovery. Read on to acquaint yourself with the challenges and opportunities involved in getting a loved one to agree to enter rehab near Fort Collins.
The Consequences of Substance Use Disorder
A common saying among people in recovery is, “It always gets worse, never better.” This means that, no matter what the drug of choice, a substance use disorder progresses quickly, growing in intensity and with increasingly dire consequences.
Exactly how a substance use disorder progresses is unique to the user, but most addicts wind up struggling with worsening psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, they tend to engage in progressively riskier behavior, like driving while intoxicated or committing crimes to acquire more of their drug of choice. And then there’s the physical effects of a substance use disorder, which can range from brain, kidney, or liver damage to rotting teeth. This is something to remember when considering how to get a loved one into rehab near Fort Collins.
Signs and Symptoms of a Substance Use Disorder
Some substance use disorders, like those involving alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine, start with recreational, social, experimental, or use before becoming more frequent. Others, like those involving opioid painkillers, begin with taking the substance as prescribed by a medical professional but then result in chemical or psychological dependency.
The risk of becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs varies according to one’s genetic makeup, environment, and the possible presence of a co-existing or underlying mental health disorder. The common signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder can include:
- Intense drug cravings
- Feeling you must use the drug regularly
- Needing more of the drug to achieve the desired effect
- Spending more than you can afford on the drug
- Missing obligations related to work, school, or family
- Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing personal or psychological problems
- Engaging in illegal or risky behaviors to get the drug
- Failed attempts to stop using
Sometimes be difficult to distinguish a loved one’s normal behavior from the signs of a developing substance use disorder. Still, the following indicators of a developing substance use disorder might be something to consider when thinking about getting a loved one into rehab near Fort Collins:
- Problems at work or school, including frequent absences, a sudden disinterest in work- or school-related assignments, a noticeable drop in grades or work performance
- Physical health issues, like a frequent lack of energy and motivation or weight loss or weight gain
- Neglected appearance, like a lack of hygiene or wearing the same outfit day after day
- Changes in behavior, like being secretive about new friend groups or where you’re going at night
- Money issues, like requests for money without explanation, stealing money from family members or close friends
How to Convince a Loved One to Go to Rehab
Convincing someone to go to rehab can be difficult but not impossible. It requires both compassion and strategy, as well as significant preparation. Read on to learn how to put yourself in the best position to get a loved one to go to rehab near Fort Collins.
Find Out if They Want to Go to Rehab
While it might seem obvious, finding out whether your loved one can tell they have a problem should not be overlooked. If your loved one is willing to consider rehab, then helping them choose a treatment facility might be all they need.
Familiarize Yourself with the Different Treatment Options
In recent years, the treatment of substance use disorders has grown more individualized, more comprehensive, and more effective. Before trying to get someone to go to rehab, get familiar with all the different addiction treatments available near Fort Collins. Consider which ones might be appropriate for your loved one so that they can begin their recovery journey feeling just a little bit less vulnerable.
Discuss Your Options with a Professional
While considering how to get a loved one into rehab, try and figure out the necessary resources and finances that an effective addiction treatment program demands. While you’re at it, try and figure out logistics like transportation and packing.
It is also a good time to consider available insurance options, so reaching out to your loved one’s insurance company is something else to consider. Fortunately, addiction treatment is covered by most insurance plans as part of one’s essential health benefits. However, issues like copays and deductibles may come up in your research and should probably be addressed sooner rather than later.
If nothing else, having answers to these questions should come in handy when your loved one asks how they’re supposed to pay for treatment.
Have an Actionable Plan
A drug or alcohol intervention is one of the most effective known way for getting a loved one into rehab. When devising a plan for intervention, one should invite the loved one’s closest friends and family members.
Interventions frequently take place with a licensed drug counselor or intervention professional present. These professionals are known as interventionists, and they may be needed in cases where the addict denies they have a problem or refuses to get help. An interventionist can often make the difference between a successful intervention and an unsuccessful one.
Planning what you have to say and how you’ll approach your loved one’s substance use is a good idea. Consider writing down what you have to say beforehand. Also, have a plan in place to take your loved one straight to the rehab facility if and when they agree to go.
Keep a Dedicated Support System
Getting help for a substance use disorder is one of the hardest things a person can do. It is important to let your loved one know they’re not alone and they should not feel ashamed about their situation.
Approaching the conversation with a non-confrontational attitude helps create a safe space for them to share their feelings and fears. And being prepared for potential resistance and defensiveness is essential, since denial plays such a large part in addiction. Gentle persistence and a focus on the positive aspects of seeking help can gradually break through the barriers.
A dedicated support system is essential to the success of any recovery endeavor. That support system begins with you.
Find Rehab Near Fort Collins with Northpoint Colorado
Find help for yourself or a loved one can be a long, challenging process. That process starts with an honest and accurate assessment of the situation. It continues with the selection of an appropriate facility that offers rehab near Fort Collins. Northpoint Colorado’s team of specialists is standing by to help answer any questions you might have. We’re your source for rehab at all and all levels. Just call us today at 970.699.3132 or contact us online via our brief message form.