Talking about addiction treatment is sometimes a serious – but much-needed – discussion in your life. However, knowing what to do or say can be difficult. With the heavy stigma around addiction, it can be hard to even bring up the topic. Regardless if it’s you reassuring a loved one about the treatment you are seeking, or encouraging a loved one to seek treatment themselves, it’s a topic that must be brought up eventually. Luckily, there are some tips you can use to make the process easier and less stressful for all involved.
Tip 1: Talk About Addiction Treatment in a Relaxed and Casual Setting
It’s important to consider the time and setting when deciding to talk about addiction treatment. This discussion should not be brought up in public or during an inappropriate time. For example, a birthday party is no place to have a serious discussion. Instead, choose a time when everyone will be home and relaxed. Typically, after a meal during the evening is one of the best times to talk about addiction treatment.
Take some time to practice self-care and relax before beginning the discussion. If you are nervous and afraid, they will begin to feel the same. It can be helpful to put together what you want to say in advance or practice what you will say beforehand. This “rehearsal” can sometimes give you the confidence you need to jump into a serious discussion.
Tip 2: Put Yourself in the Shoes of the Listener
Remember to have empathy and compassion when discussing the possibility of addiction treatment. If you are attempting to convince a loved one to seek addiction treatment, it’s important to stop and consider what may be influencing their substance use. Are they using substances because they are experiencing pain, grief, or struggling with a serious illness? If so, let them know that you will support them and help is available to them. It’s not a time for blame or judgment.
If you are informing loved ones that you want to seek addiction treatment, remember that they will be concerned and frightened for your safety. Many people don’t know a lot about addiction treatment. Most get their information from movies or TV shows that depict addiction treatment facilities as prisons rife with mistreatment. Remember to keep this in mind and remind them that you will be okay and safe.
Tip 3: Bring Up Facts About Addiction Treatment
Because addiction treatment is rarely talked about, there are a lot of myths and misinformation floating around that can discourage someone from seeking treatment. It’s helpful to research common myths surrounding addiction and the actual truth before beginning the discussion. For example, a common myth is that those in addiction treatment are forced to remain in treatment, like a prison. The fact is that every client has rights, and a person can leave treatment anytime they wish unless they are a direct danger of harming themselves or another person. Involuntary holds are rare and only done after the careful consideration of a mental health care professional.
Bring evidence with you that can help educate your loved ones. It’s hard to be afraid when you have scientific facts on your side. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are both official government websites detailing addiction and mental health treatment and facts. They have several resources, including information sheets that can be easily printed out and shared.
Tip 4: Reassure Your Loved Ones
When talking about addiction treatment, remember to reassure your loved ones. People who struggle with addiction often are afraid of being belittled or abandoned. Remind them that you love them and want them to get healthy. Tell them that you will be there to support and encourage them. When someone knows that they have support, they are more likely to go into addiction treatment and complete it.
It’s also good if you are the one seeking treatment to remind your loved ones that you will be okay. Clients at addiction treatment facilities have an extensive list of rights that are upheld at all times. Accredited addiction treatment facilities, such as Painted Desert Recovery, are safe places for someone to receive the treatment they need to recover. If they are still worried, it’s possible to schedule a tour to put their minds at ease.
Tip 5: Seek Professional Help
It’s always okay to seek professional help when you want to talk to your loved ones about addiction treatment. Many addiction treatment facilities, such as Painted Desert Recovery, have resources on hand that can assist you. This can come in several form, the most common of which is scientifically backed literature that can be distributed to your loved ones. Another is having access to a mental health care professional who can answer questions. Simply ask for help, and the staff will do their best to find you the right resources you need.
Sometimes it’s helpful to seek professional therapy or counseling before talking about addiction treatment with loved ones. There, clients can gather their thoughts together with the help of a professional. It’s also a place where they can practice what they will do or say, giving them a much-needed confidence boost.
In conclusion, talking about addiction treatment can be hard, but it can also be made easier with the right tools and mindset. Remember to be honest, be compassionate, and seek out professional help when needed. Doing so will allow for a successful and less stressful discussion.
There may be a time in your life when you will have to talk about addiction treatment with your loved ones. It’s a difficult subject to understand, let alone find the words to even discuss it. However, the education and support such a discussion can bring can save someone’s life. That’s why it’s important to be accurate and compassionate when talking about addiction treatment. Here at Painted Desert Recovery, located in New Harmony, Utah, people can find a source of education to help them bring up this important topic. With skilled mental health care professionals on staff, anyone can find the words needed to talk to their loved ones. To learn more about addiction treatment, call (844) 540-0353 today.