20 Jun 4 Steps to Take if an Addict Refuses Calgary Drug Treatment
When someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you want to help them kick the habit before their mental and physical health deteriorates, and that means getting them into a treatment center as quickly as possible.
But, unfortunately, someone in the grips of an addiction is often in a state of denial. They may think that they can control their drug taking or drinking. They may argue that they only engage in social drinking or occasional drug use. They may use a phrase like “responsible drug use” or “drinking to be sociable”.
So what can you do to help someone you love get the help they need to overcome their addiction?
Here are four steps you can take to help your loved accept their drug abuse problem and enroll in a treatment program.
1: Let’s Start with You
Quite often we do not want to accept the fact that our partner or child is addicted to drugs or has an alcohol problem. We often make excuses for them, ignore the warning signs, or trivialize the impact their substance use is having on their lives and our own. So the first step is to accept the fact that your loved one is an addict and that you will need to take steps to help them. Educate yourself about the effects of drug and alcohol addiction, so that you know what to expect.
2: Focus on Health
Don’t begin by blaming and shaming. Instead, suggest a checkup by a doctor. For an addict who refuses to see the impact their addiction is having on their health, a doctor could be the first wake-up call. A doctor can connect health problems to drug use, verify that they have an addiction, and warn them of the long-term effects of drug use, without the emotional drama of being confronted and shamed by a family member. This can often motivate the addict into accepting the fact that they have a problem. Many alcoholics are actually unaware that they are addicted to alcohol, until a doctor passes that diagnosis.
3: Offer Support but Stop Funding the Habit
All addicts need support even though they might not admit it. The drug addiction is so powerful that they think all they need is a steady supply. And, unfortunately, you may be helping them access their substance of choice through financial support. You may think you’re simply making sure they have money for food or rent, but chances are the money you give them is going to alcohol or drugs. So take affirmative action. Stock their fridge with healthy food, pay their rent directly, give them a ride to work or school or buy them a bus pass – but don’t give them money.
4: Call an Interventionist
If you are stressed, worried, and confused, now is the time to call an interventionist.
Trying to help an addict is one of the most stressful situations you will face. You accept professional help when you buy a house, choose a program of study, or even buy a car; so why not seek the help of a professional to help you through this difficult time.
An interventionist can help you understand how to talk to the addict in a way that convinces them to accept treatment; an interventionist can give you the information you need about drug treatment centers and addiction treatment programs; and most importantly, a professional interventionist can support you throughout this emotionally traumatic time.
This is going to be hard, but it’s not as hard as watching your loved one throw their life away because of an addiction.
If you need to find an interventionist in Calgary, call us today. You don’t have to do this alone. We can help.