What if Your Loved One Says NO to Addiction Treatment?

Seeing a loved one struggle through an addiction of any kind can be difficult.

Especially when you want so badly to get them help, but they aren’t at that stage yet.

It’s hard seeing them suffer.

Addiction affects the whole family, not just the one that’s addicted.

Of course, you want to get them the addiction treatment they need to recover from this damaging habit.

The fact is, if a person isn’t ready, they most likely will say no and refuse addiction treatment.

Though often times, they may say yes and take you up on your offer.

Intervention is a key point when getting your loved one’s attention and offering them help for their addiction.

It’s not only important, but it can be effective and most definitely worth a try.

Don’t be afraid of them rejecting the help of addiction treatment.

You must still make an attempt to offer help through intervention.

It can save their life.

Intervention is Key & The Place to Start Encouraging Addiction Treatment

Sometimes, an addict doesn’t realize they have a problem, and that it’s not only affecting and damaging their life but the lives of the people that love them as well.

The fact is, you can’t force someone to recover from their addiction.

In some cases, there have been forced addiction treatment orders for addicts that have been shown to be effective.

But there has also been very little research and proven studies that forcing someone into treatment will be effective.

Over a hundred people die every single day from drug-related death.

It’s important that you’re loved one understands the significance of getting clean.

But in some cases, forced treatment can even be damaging.

And that’s where intervention comes into play.

People need to want help and treatment, and that’s where intervention comes in.

Your loved one needs to know and understand that they need help, but they also have to want that help.

By intervening and bringing their attention to their addiction and the destruction it’s causing, you can get them to possibly acknowledge the fact that they are in need of addiction treatment.

Ensure that your loved one understands that this intervention is coming from a loving place.

Remind them how much you care about them, their health, and their overall life in general.

Always keep an open heart and open mind when bringing a loved one into the position of an intervention.

However, also give them distinct boundaries and establish a clear motive when approaching the situation.

Remember, you’re coming from a loving and caring place, but you have to set ground rules and express the importance of their current condition.

It Never Hurts to Try

When you have the fear that addiction is taking over the life of your loved one, you may be willing to try anything to get them the help they need.

However, sometimes that desire to help may bring fear of rejection.

Having a compassionate approach has shown to be extremely effective in helping addicts understand the importance of addiction treatment.

Letting them hit rock bottom before intervening used to be thought of as the best way to have an addict acknowledge their problem.

Now, hitting rock bottom could essentially mean death; however, it’s crucial to try and intervene before it becomes too late.

It’s not just a disease or addiction for your loved one; it’s a disease that affects the entire family and no one enjoys watching their loved one suffer from such situations.

The fact that you’re trying to intervene and get them to acknowledge their addiction means that you care enough to bring it to their attention; it means that you love them and you want better for them before it goes too far.

Whether they accept the help or not, at least you know deep down in your heart that you’re not to blame and that you have offered to help them receive the treatment they needed.

 

Sometimes ‘No’ Turns Into ‘Yes’

A ‘no’ today could turn into a ‘yes’ tomorrow.

Once you have opened up your concerns through intervention with your loved one, it has now given them the chance to make a decision.

Though they might not see it right away, they will understand that your concern comes from the heart, and they’ll have a better understanding of the damage that this addiction is causing.

When the addict understands that you’re willing and able to have treatment lined up for them, they may be more accepting and willing to accept the offer.

So, don’t always fear that when they say ‘no’ it’ll be firm.

Their willingness to accept your offer may come sooner than you think.

It takes time for recovery to happen, and that includes the time needed for the addict to admit that they have a problem and need or want the help.

 

Suggesting Addiction Treatment Can Help

It may seem that your loved one may never come to terms with their addiction, and in turn, may never be willing to get addiction treatment.

However, when you bring their dark struggles to the light, they can then become more aware of their problem.

Even if you think they will say no to treatment, it’s extremely important that you bring your loving concern to their attention through intervention.

Their need for treatment and recovery will not just disappear—they need your support.

By showing them how important their life is to you, you’re showing them compassion and understanding.

Your intervention could save the life of your loved one.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and offer them the help they need.

They may not recognize the need for treatment or even want it right now, but you’re opening up their mind to acknowledge that they have the support and help for addiction when they’re ready.

Reach out to your loved one today and help them get the best treatment so that they can receive the help they need when they are ready.

Sources

[1] NIDA. (2018, January 17). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition on 2019, February 21