Concerns of Loved Ones: Can I Force Someone to go to Rehab?
It can be devastating to watch someone you care about destroy their life because they have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. You may begin to feel lost and unsure about what you can do for this person; you may be asking yourself a variety of questions such as, ‘Can I force him/her into rehab?’
Forcing a Person into a Rehab Programme
Most countries have specific laws that do not allow anyone to be forced against their will into a rehabilitation centre. If the individual is over the age of 18 years old they must consent to treatment. However, if the person is a minor, the parents or guardians can involuntarily check them into rehab. Additionally, if a person is threatening to harm their selves or another person they can be hospitalised against their will. Although this will most likely not be a rehab; therefore, any addiction issues will generally not be of focus.
Many addiction specialists believe that when an addict is pressured into going to rehab and in reality they are ‘not ready’ the treatment will not take be effective. This may be hard for you to grasp and of course it is worth the try, but do keep this idea in mind. However, this is not to say that you are completely helpless from taking any kind of positive action. In fact, there are several things that you can do to help your loved one surrender to the addiction.
Educate Yourself
Although you will not fully understand the power of addiction without being an addict yourself, you can educate yourself on the topic. There are numerous books and articles on addiction and recovery, as well as, those that are specifically meant for family or friends of the addict. The more you are able to educate yourself, the closer you will get to understanding what it is like for your loved one.
Consider an Intervention
You may want to consider holding a formal intervention; this is a time that you will sit down with the loved one and an addiction expert (usually a therapist or counselor) and try to confront and convince him or her to go to rehab. Interventions do not always work and sometimes they can cause the addict to further isolate themselves. However, this is not always the case, and sometimes it is just what the addict needs. So, do your research on this topic; if you have questions or concerns you may contact our rehab centre for advice.
Cease any Enabling
There is a good chance that in some way or another you are enabling your loved ones addiction. It is important to learn more about setting healthy boundaries and enabling behaviors. Clearly communicate these boundaries and what is acceptable and what is not. For example, if you’re loved one is not able to go to work because they are high or hung-over and urges you to call in for them, calmly say no. Additionally, you can make it clear that you will not help them to avoid any consequences of their using. However, you will always be there for assisting them in getting help. Although this may sound extreme, you must realise that anything less will only allow the addict to continue to use.
Be Supportive
Ultimately, maintain healthy communication and support; let your loved one know that at anytime, day or night, they can come to you for support, advice, or even a simple hug. Believe it or not, this support can make a big difference in the addict’s decision to go to rehab for treatment.
Support Groups
There are several support groups that are open for family members and friends of addicts; the two most popular being Al-Anon and Alateen. These are private meetings in which you can find valuable support and advice while giving some too.
Contact Us Today for Help
An addiction to drugs or alcohol is not an easy topic to discuss. While you may be unable to force a loved one into rehab, you can take action in the meantime. If someone you care about is ready to take the first steps towards sobriety, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today.
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