Recovery is a Family Affair: How to Encourage Your Loved Ones to Get Help

 

Substance abuse is a rampant problem. Statistics show that 60.2% of Americans 12 and over have substance abuse issues. One of these people could be a loved one, and recovery is a journey they cannot do alone. Not only will they be needing support, but they will also be needing people who will look out for their best interests. This is why family support is vital to the road to recovery.

 

Cost of Addiction

 

Addictions can become expensive when a person becomes fully dependent on a substance. It is estimated that society loses around $820 billion because of substance abuse. Aside from monetary costs, addiction can also affect careers, an individual’s mental health, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem.

This is why it is important for us to encourage our loved ones to seek help. Families are there to support each other, and in trying times like this it is important to show solidarity with a member who is experiencing substance abuse. Not only can they be in ruin financially, but they will also sacrifice important things in their lives if they continue on the path they are on.

 

Interventions

 

If your loved one is experiencing substance abuse or other forms of addiction, you can stage an intervention and encourage them to seek help. This is essentially confronting a loved one about their behavior and helping them acknowledge their actions and their consequences. There are several forms of interventions in addiction, like our own CRAFT, and Love First interventions. These are widely used strategies that engage family members and support systems so that they can be part of their loved one’s journey to wellness. There are also interventions like ARISE that are centered on the individuals experiencing addiction themselves. Remember to plan ahead, have a backup solution, and have a treatment center in mind already. Interventions will be able to show your loved one that you care and are willing to help. This may be the factor that helps convince them to seek treatment.

 

Treatments

 

Therapy

This is an important part of the recovery process. Addiction is more than a physical craving. These substances can change your brain structure and chemical composition, and there are different psychological factors that go into addiction as well. Even the cravings are psychological and therapy can help curb these urges.

There are many forms of therapy that those recovering from substance abuse can experience. These therapies can focus on many aspects of recovery they might be struggling with like cravings, adapting to change, and finding the motivation to stay clean. Encouraging them to attend therapy can help them understand their addiction and lead to a path of recovery.

Medical Treatment

Seeking medical treatment is another option for those in recovery. This may sound like a big and scary step, but it shouldn’t be. Getting your loved one to visit a medical professional can help them realize the harms and dangers of addiction.

If speaking to a doctor is too intimidating, they can opt to speak to a specialized nurse. A qualified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner will be able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat patients without any physician oversight. However, it’s important to note that this is only true in 21 states, so do make sure to check.

Furthermore, there are centers like AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine that focus on holistic treatment, which involves the mind, body, and spirit in the recovery journey. Your loved ones can get a range of medical help, from psychiatric evaluation to medication management. Holistic intervention is a great way to promote self-awareness, growth, and balance. Make sure that your loved ones are able to speak with medical professionals who are experts in addiction management. This will give them the confidence that they are in good hands.

 

 

Rehabilitation Centers

Rehabilitation centers are often vital when it comes to helping loved ones recovering from substance abuse. These centers aim to create a safe space for your loved ones to get clean and cope with recovery. They offer well-rounded support from both professionals and peers. Nudging your loved ones into a rehabilitation center will allow them to connect with people who understand their struggles and who will be there to help them get through their addiction.

A center’s facilities may vary, and their methods of treatment may also be different from case to case. A method that is known is the community reinforcement approach. With this approach, those in recovery are given incentives as to why getting clean and staying clean are worth it. This encourages them to break the cycle and hopefully helps them settle into having a healthier way of life. Facilities may use a method like this or may have their own way of doing things. Make sure that before checking your loved one in, you have researched the center well and agree with their practices.

 

Addiction is a very serious matter. If a family member is going through this, make sure to show them that you are behind them 100% and that you are willing to support them no matter what.

 

Resources:

https://drugabusestatistics.org/

https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/addiction-blog/cost-of-drug-addiction/

https://greenhillrecovery.com/intervention-in-addiction/

https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/the-role-of-the-counselor-in-addiction-recovery/

https://online.maryville.edu/online-masters-degrees/post-masters-nurse-practitioner-certification

https://www.aimwellbeing.com

https://greenhillrecovery.com/what-is-the-community-reinforcement-approach-cra/

 

 

Written exclusively for greenhillrecovery.com

By Jessica Reiley