Do you know how to convince someone to go to rehab? Perhaps your friend is addicted to drugs? If so, you might be wondering what you can do to help them?
The truth is; it’s not easy to approach your friend about their addiction. However, offering your support sooner than later will go a long way to help through the recovery process.
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Below is a list of common symptoms of a drug addiction to watch out for if you think a friend is struggling with addiction. Please note this isn’t an exhaustive list:
- Having items like syringes, pipes, burnt foil, pierced cans, small bags used to store drugs in their home
- Selling their valuables or using a bulk of their money
- The constant need to use drugs often
- Sudden change in behavior and mood swings
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Red bloodshot eyes
- Frequent runny nose and nose bleeds
- Poor hygiene, nonchalant about personal grooming
- Withdrawal from family members and loved ones
- Loss of interest in things they like to do
- Problems at work and/or school
- Lying about using drugs or the number of drugs used when asked
- Angry or sad when questioned about their drug use
How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab
The first way to help your friend with their drug problem is to try to convince them to seek professional help. In 2009, according to NIDA, about 23.5 million people needed rehab, and only 2.6 million of them got help. This means it can be difficult to know how to convince someone to go to rehab.
Want to know how to get someone to go to rehab? Below are some useful tips.
Understand Addiction
It’s best to understand what drug addiction entails before trying to help your friend. Research and understand addiction problems and symptoms. NIDA has detailed resources for understanding addition and identifying the best approach to help your friend recover.
Empathy Is Necessary
Once you understand the complexities of addiction, it’s best to approach your friend with empathy. Approach them with genuine concern, talk with them one-on-one, and avoid criticizing them.
Listen to them, and don’t be accusatory. Also, try and understand why they’ve been using drugs. Once you can build trust with them, they will have a reason to trust your advice.
Research Rehabilitation Centers and Treatment Centers
Finding the right treatment center for your friend requires research. Devote time to search for a good place that would suit your friend.
Organizations like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) offer support and information on how to get help in your area. Also, self-help recovery programs like Narcotics Anonymous and Smart Recovery offer support for people with addiction problems.
Be Honest With Them
Many addicts often feel like victims to justify their use of drugs. Explain to them the consequences of continued drug use and the need for change.
You also need to encourage your friend to take responsibility and let them know how their addiction affects them and those who love them. This conversation may not happen in a day.
Enlist Help
You don’t have to do this alone. You can enlist help from others to encourage your friend to get treatment.
Enlisting help can entail;
- Forming an intervention group with family and friends
- If the addict is religious, you can bring in their religious leaders to speak with them
- It’s also wise to enlist the help of a professional or psychologist to convince them of the need to seek help
Admit Them As Soon As Possible
Get your friend into treatment immediately; if they agree to get help they can also change their mind.
Get Help At Hillside Mission!
Are you ready to help your friend start a recovery path? Let us help you! At Hillside Mission, we offer luxury addiction treatment options that work. Our team is made up of experienced and compassionate professionals who give the best care to every client.
Also, our treatment center has a luxury and beautiful setting to aid the recovery of clients. Contact us today to get the best of care for any addiction problem.
