How to Encourage a Loved One to Seek Treatment

You can't force a loved one to seek treatment. However, if you suspect they have substance use disorder (SUD), you can offer support, advice, and compassion. This will hopefully encourage them to seek treatment and get the help they need. 

How to Talk to Your Loved One About How to Seek Treatment

Talking to a loved one about addiction may feel difficult and uncomfortable. You may be worried about their reaction or driving them further away. If you suspect a loved one does have SUD, it's important to encourage them to seek treatment. Know you're doing the right thing, even if it feels scary.

The most important thing to remember when you talk to your loved one is to listen. Be prepared; they might not expect what you're going to say. Your loved one might deny it or find it challenging to be open to your help. Here are a few ways you can open up a conversation:

• I wanted to check in on you and see how you're doing.
• I'm worried about your drinking habits.  
• I've noticed you've been using substances, and I'm concerned.

When the conversation opens up, here are a few questions you can ask:

• Is there anything I can do to support you?
• Do you feel like you have a substance use issue?
• Are you open to getting help?
• When did you first start feeling like this?

Encourage your loved one to seek treatment by saying this:

• You are not alone.
• I support you.
• I love you. 
• You don't need to be ashamed about getting help. 

However the conversation goes, remember you are there to support, love, and encourage them to seek treatment. It is not your job to force them. You might need to have several conversations with your loved one until they're open to getting help. The most important and sometimes scariest thing to do is to start and initiate that first conversation. 

Create the Right Environment to Seek Treatment

At Pathways Wellness Center, we encourage that when you have this conversation with your loved one, it's essential to do it in the right environment. A safe setting can allow them to feel more comfortable with opening up. To ensure you do this, you can think about the following:

• What time/day of the week is your loved one available to talk? If they work during the week, maybe the weekend is a better time to approach them. The weekend could allow more time. 
• Where is the best place to speak to your loved one? A public space like a park could be a good option. Or perhaps they would feel safer and comfortable opening up and receiving your help in their own home. Feel into this and trust your instincts. Try not to pressure your loved one into talking. They will talk when they are ready. 
• Talk to them in private. Do not start the conversation with others, friends, or family members. Establishing trust and privacy between you and your loved one is important. Having the conversation between just you two helps them feel a sense of safety and that they aren't controlled. 

Offer Support and Compassion

Communicate compelling reasons why you believe your loved one should seek treatment but remember to hold this space with compassion. Write down what you want to say. This way, you can keep the focus on your concerns. Keep the following in mind:

• Explain why you're concerned. Provide examples of their change in behavior and how this is affecting your relationship with them. 
• Always reassure them that you're on their side and that you're there to support them on their recovery journey. 
• Share your personal experiences with seeking help to help them feel and remember that they aren't alone. Express how seeking help has impacted your life for the better. 

Research Where Your Loved One Can Seek Treatment

To take the pressure off your loved one, tackle the scary stuff. Research where they can seek treatment and, most importantly, get clear on what and how that treatment can help them. Going into a conversation with knowledge of how they can seek treatment could encourage your loved one to get help. Here are a few things to consider when you are researching treatment centers such as Pathways Wellness Center:

• Find out about local mental health clinics and support groups.
• Are there any testimonials from local treatment centers you can share with your loved one?
• Research therapists and find out what they specialize in and their style of treatment.
• You might consider having a counselor present to help guide the conversation with you and your loved one. 

Going to an unfamiliar place may feel scary to them. Therefore, presenting the option of therapy sessions could be helpful. These can be taken in the comfort of their own home and may encourage them to seek treatment. 

Here at Pathways Wellness Center, we understand it may be difficult to encourage a loved one to seek treatment. We are here to support you in having this conversation and giving your loved one the right treatment for their treatment and recovery. For more information, talk with a therapist or counselor to guide you through how you can encourage them to speak to us. We are here to support those with SUD in overcoming addictions and creating a healthier and happier life. If you or a loved one needs help, don't wait; act today. To learn more about our programs offered, reach out to us today and call us at (888) 771-0966.