Someone has noticed a loved one has some of the signs of addiction or has caught them using drugs or drinking to excess. They will likely want to talk to their loved ones about the addiction and seeking help, but it’s hard to know where to start and what to say. Use the tips here to think about how to talk to a loved one suffering from addiction and what can be done to encourage them to seek help.
Learn More About Addiction and Treatment
Those who do not have any experience with addiction truly do not understand it. They need to learn more about everything before they talk to their loved ones. An understanding of what is going on, what happened to cause the addiction, and what can be done to help their loved one get treatment will enable the person to make sure they have all of the information before discussing the addiction. Those who are worried a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol can visit www.harrishouse.org to learn more about addiction and treatment options.
Create a Plan for Talking to Them
The next step is to create a plan to talk to them. Many times, these talks can quickly get out of hand because of the emotions involved. Having a plan of what to say, what to do if they react negatively, and more can help control the situation and enable both people to take a break from the conversation if needed. With a plan in mind, it’s easier to make sure everything is said during the conversation as well, so every point is covered.
Listen to What They Have to Say
While the person confronting their loved one about the addiction will have a lot they want to say, they need to remember to stop and listen as well. Ask the loved one questions about what is going on, what they need, why they got started with drugs and alcohol, and more. Once the loved one starts to open up about their addiction, it’s important to listen carefully without criticizing them. The more they can listen, the better equipped they will be to help their loved ones in the long run.
Talk to Them About Treatment Options
During the research preparation before the conversation, it’s a good idea to learn about the treatment options available. Once the person is speaking with their loved one, they can discuss the various treatment options available and encourage them to enter a rehab program. Drug and alcohol addictions typically lead to jail, death, or both, so rehab is crucial for helping them. However, the loved one may be resistant to going through a rehab program. It’s important to be consistent and encouraging at this point so there’s a better chance they’ll accept the help.
It’s hard to see a loved one suffer from addiction, and many people won’t know what to do next. They may want to talk to their loved ones about the addiction but might not know where to start. Use the tips here to think about what to say and how to handle the situation before speaking with your loved one. Once you know more about what to expect, you’ll find you can talk to them about the addiction and start to encourage them to seek the help they need as soon as possible.
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