It is, in fact, possible to take legal action to get help for your loved one. You can petition for a court order to send a family member to get treatment through involuntary commitment laws which most states support. In order to do so it is necessary to demonstrate that your loved one is at risk of harming themselves or others.
However, before pursuing this route, it is important to evaluate whether this is the best course of action and to try to determine the type of impact it will have on your loved one. In most cases, this is not recommended and might work against the probability of completing recovery.
In contrast, there are several helpful strategies that can help convince a loved one to get the help they need without legal force. The subject matter is delicate and the conversation can be contentious and awkward. It is important to realize no matter how well-intended your efforts are, that you might not be successful in getting a loved one to commit to treatment. When broaching the subject, it is helpful to limit your expectations as your loved one might be completely unwilling to accept your help.
The best way to talk to a loved one about their substance abuse problem is to be a good listener. Give them the time to explain their perspective. You can help gently guide the conversation towards acknowledging their substance use problem. It is also important to remember that you cannot fix your loved one’s problem. All you can do is be there for support and guidance.
Break free from the struggle of addiction |
Call Now |
Tough Conversations about Substance Abuse
Keeping the communication lines open with your loved one during this difficult time is imperative. Handling each conversation delicately is also necessary in order to ensure that they continue to see you as a helpful resource.
After you have decided to confront your loved one about their substance abuse problem and want to attempt to convince them to get help, there are a few ways to approach the conversation. Here are a few helpful talking points for consideration that should only be used on a case by case basis.
Let your loved one know they have been acting differently lately and ask if everything is okay
Make them aware that you have noticed their drug and alcohol use and let them know you are worried about them
Ask your loved one if they think they could go 24 hours without substance use
Let them know you are there to support them and will do anything to help improve the situation (except for facilitating substance use of course)
Reinforce the fact that your loved one can regain control of their life through treatment
Admit that you might not know what your loved one is going through, but reiterate that you are available to be there for any type of positive support
You should always use your best judgement when approaching the subject matter. This should not be a forceful or threatening conversation as that can be completely counterproductive. Also, make sure to have this conversation with your loved one when they are sober and lucid.
Strategies to Help Your Loved One
There are a few strategies that you can use to assist your loved one to get the help they need.
Investigate professional help: Reach out to a medical professional, whether it is a therapist or a general practitioner. Either will likely have experience dealing with or treating someone with a substance abuse problem. At a minimum, encouraging that your loved one gets some type of evaluation is a helpful start.
Be encouraging: Let your loved one know that you believe they can get clean. Build them up, instead of calling out their missteps.
Engage local support: Encourage your loved one to participate in some type of support group. Depending upon what they are addicted to, help them investigate meeting times and locations for groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Stay connected with your loved one through treatment: Assuming your loved one commits to recovery, ensure that they are making the lifestyle changes that are recommended through their treatment program. Continue to follow up with them to show that you care and that you are on the journey along with them.
Loving an addict can be extremely challenging, especially when they are resistant to overcoming their addiction. However, there are a number of productive ways in which you can help guide them to a path of sobriety.