How To Convince A Loved One They Need Drug Detox

Loved ones of people with substance use disorder (SUD) may feel lost about how to help.

You may feel powerless against your friend or family member's mental illness. While in this position, you only want to see your loved one get better. If you are trying to convince a loved one to get drug and alcohol detox, you need to approach the situation from a place of compassion and love.

This article will offer you tips for convincing someone they need drug detox.

Convincing a loved one they need drug and alcohol treatment isn't easy, but with a little preparation, it's doable.

Educate Yourself

Before you ever consider addressing your loved one, you need to educate yourself on the disease of addiction. Stressors may trigger SUD, but it is rooted in biology and genetics. Substances alter neurotransmitters, particularly the dopamine receptor. Dopamine reinforces behaviors, conditioning the brain into craving more substances. 

As an individual wanting your loved one to seek help, you need to understand the biochemistry of SUD. Getting into recovery is not as simple as willpower. Your loved one must work to reprogram their brain. They must find coping mechanisms for the cravings. They must address the stressors that encourage substance use. 

If you approach addiction as a moral failing, you will alienate your loved one. Try to understand what exactly they are going through internally.

Consider a Professional Interventionist

SUD can create many emotions for everyone in a social system. It can feel difficult to manage anger, sadness, worry, and other big feelings when engaging with your loved one. A professional interventionist is a licensed counselor, typically trained in substance abuse and family therapy, who can educate and mediate during an intervention.

The interventionist can prepare loved ones for what will happen. They will guide everyone through healthy communication. They can keep everyone focused on the primary goal.

Additionally, they will help you determine whether a surprise intervention or a planned intervention is more appropriate in this situation. Often, a planned intervention (where the person is invited and aware of what is happening) is more effective. 

Prepare for Objections

When you are preparing to address addiction with your loved one, you need to plan ahead. How are you going to respond to their objections?

Here are some common negative statements that people with SUD give:

• “I don't have a problem.”
• “Treatment is too expensive.”
• “I can't take time off work.”
• “I'm scared of detox.”
• “No one cares about me anymore.”
• “I'm a lost cause.”

What will you bring to the table? Find as many facts as possible. Do your research to help your loved one with payment plans and work policies. Research whether they qualify for leave through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) leave.

Take the time to write down and plan out your responses to their objections. An interventionist can help you come up with answers. You need to plan ahead as much as possible so your loved one will be more receptive to the intervention.

Approach Your Loved One with Empathy

When coming to a loved one about their SUD, you need to regulate your emotions. This is not easy, but it is necessary. If you approach them with hostility and anger, you will immediately put a person on defense, and they probably will not listen to what you have to say. 

You should come to them with empathy for their situation. They may feel like their addiction is not that bad. They may want help but not know how to ask. They probably feel scared, isolated, out of control, and self-critical. Try to approach them from a place of understanding. Let them know how much you love them. They will need support and affirmations.

Additionally, you should alter your language and adjust your tone. Using “I feel” statements instead of “you” statements will make you seem less accusatory. It will help you set your judgments aside while still sharing your hurt emotions. It gives everyone a space to express themselves. 

Establish Healthy Boundaries

What boundaries are you going to put in place if they refuse to enter detox? You need to set healthy, specific, and clear boundaries. Make the consequences of actions known from the start.

Examples of healthy boundaries include:

• “Drugs or alcohol will not be allowed in the house. If you show up under the influence, you will be asked to leave.”
• “I will not call out of work for you if you're intoxicated. You will be responsible for handling the work consequences of your choice.”
• “I will not lie for you anymore. I will say no if you ask me to.”
• “I will not drive you anywhere except to the doctor or drug rehab. You will be responsible for finding your own way around.”
• “If you ask for help, I will help you find an addiction center. You must participate in researching, or I will stop helping.”

These boundaries are clear expectations with stated consequences. They protect your mental state, time, and resources.

When you let your loved one know your boundaries, make sure to tell them what will make you re-evaluate your boundaries. Will you adjust your boundaries if they are in treatment? Will you adjust your boundaries if they are in recovery? These are things that you should establish with your loved one up-front.  

It Isn't the End

If your loved one refuses help, it is important to remember that it is not the end. Many people who initially reject resources come back to them over the next couple of weeks. Sometimes it takes a little time of holding to boundaries and expressing concern before someone opens themselves up to the possibility of a substance-free life. Even if things do not result in immediate change, do not lose hope.

DetoxNearMe.com: Your Resource for Finding a Detox Center for Your Loved One

Addiction can impact everyone in a social system. When your loved one is ill, you experience fear, sadness, desperation, and many other emotions. Your emotions are valid. You may want nothing more than to help them get better.

DetoxNearMe.com is the best way to get your loved one on the path to recovery. We’ve collected data on thousands of detox centers across the US. If you’ve ever asked yourself questions like “Where are there places to detox near me?” you’ll be able to find a detox center near you for your needs and budget.

Don’t burn yourself out – start searching with DetoxNearMe.com today!