How To Convince an Addict to Get Help

Do you find it difficult to convince a person who is struggling with addiction to get help?

It is important to know how to encourage a person to get treatment for their addictions.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic condition that involves compulsive seeking and taking of a substance or performing of an activity despite negative or harmful consequences. Addiction can significantly impact your health, relationships, and overall quality of life. 

People may use substances or engage in harmful addictive behavior even if they want to stop. Over time, they may need more of the substance to feel the same effects as they did before. People with addictions become preoccupied with the substance and often feel helpless. 

How To Encourage an Addict to Get Help

1. Do a family intervention: An intervention is when family members and an interventionist get together with the person to tell them how much they love them and that they need to get some assistance. The person who’s having a hard time listens and hopefully they become convinced to get the treatment they need.

2. Get an addiction expert to talk to the person: Find someone who is an expert on drugs and alcohol and have them do a one-on-one talk with the person who is struggling. This person should explain what will happen if they do nothing. This may convince the individual who’s having a difficult time to get some guidance from a mental health counselor.

3. Use the services of a former addict: Get somebody who used to battle addiction to talk to your friend who needs assistance. A person who used drugs and alcohol in the past can use their experiences to try to reason with the person. They might be able to use their insights to convince the individual to seek help.

4. Reduce family stress: Family stress is one of the leading triggers that can increase mental health and addiction issues. Become aware of the friction and drama in your home and relationships so you can do your part to develop healthy communication and create a safe space for open dialogue.

5. Determine why the person won’t get help: Ask the individual who is struggling to list the main reasons why they will not get assistance. It might take a few tries, however, try to discover what is stopping your friend from getting treatment. Fear and frustration are huge factors for not getting assistance.

6. Address the person’s fears: Once you get the reasons why he or she won’t get treatment, the next step is to find ways to address the fears the individual may have. Addressing one’s fears and concerns may convince the person to take some action that will get their life back on track.

7. Talk to the person: Nobody wants to be lectured or yelled at. The person who is suffering needs help in overcoming their fears and needs some guidance. Treat others the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. Listen to what they have to say. Reassure them that it’s ok to seek help.

8. Offer support for loved ones: When your loved one does get treatment, tell them that you will continue to support them with their recovery efforts. Support may come in various forms, including displaying care, going to meetings, and introducing them to support groups. Assure them that you are there for them.

9. Be persistent: In some cases, your loved one may not accept your help. Emotionally prepare yourself for these situations and remain hopeful for positive change. Occasionally remind the person the importance of getting treatment.

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