Having someone in your life who is affected by drug or alcohol abuse can be a difficult thing to experience. You may often find yourself searching for a way to help and provide a way out. However, many find such efforts to be a part of an endless cycle of abuse.
You want what is best for your loved ones, but often you find yourself running out of options. Sometimes this comes to a point where you must make a hard suggestion for your loved one’s well-being. Suggesting someone enter rehab is never an easy conversation and can often be met with push back and excuses. However, it is an important conversation to have and can be the first step in your loved one getting the help they need.
Here are a few common excuses you may encounter when talking about rehab with a loved one experiencing substance abuse.
“I can stop whenever I want to.”
Denial is often considered to be the first step in the recovery process. It is also a common effect of drug and alcohol addiction. Substance abuse can often blind one to the actual severity of their addiction and its effect on those around them. Self-dependence is one of the most common excuses cited by those struggling with addiction yet the key to success is often seen to be help from others.
Overcoming substance abuse involves far more than just one person, it involves a large supporting cast from family members to counselors. Equipping your loved one with a number of supporters can lead to a higher chance of success and recovery.
“I’ve got this under control.”
Self-dependence is another common effect of addiction. Often those who experience addiction feel as if they are still functioning members of their community. They may cite this excuse due to their current ability to hold a job or hide their addiction from friends and family. However, this excuse can be dangerous as addiction can cause one’s world to crumble at any time.
It is important to help your loved one realize the importance of bringing others into their struggles with substance abuse. Control is often hard to let go of, especially when it comes to a battle with drugs and alcohol. Admittance is a difficult point to reach yet can be one of the most important parts of overcoming addiction. Letting go control by bringing others into the battle to help can lead to one overcoming the control of substances.
“I can’t take time off from work.”
A common fear surrounding rehab is how long the rehab process will take. Often the first question when a new patient walking into rehab is, “How long will this take?”
This common excuse is no different, many people struggling with addiction cling onto the idea of whatever work they do needing them more than they need help. Our occupations are some of the most integral parts of our lives, so the reluctance to let go of our work is expected. However, the excuse that work is more important than getting help with addiction overlooks a greater problem. It is important to consider the value this time off work can have on well-being, and ultimately in keeping a job. Addiction can often lead to loss of work anyways as a result of the effects of addiction. Additionally, it is important to know that an employer cannot legally fire an employee for taking time off work to seek treatment. This time off is protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
“I’m not as bad off as others.”
It is common to try and find a silver lining in hard situations. For those struggling with addiction, this silver lining can often be comparing themselves with someone seemingly worse off. Pointing fingers at another’s situation often temporarily convinces us that we are better off than we actually are. In fact, it can blind one to how bad their addiction may actually be. Even worse, comparing one’s addiction with another can often convince someone struggling that they don’t need help after all. One struggling with addiction may convince themselves that help is only necessary for those at a lower point than them. This belief may only lead them reaching that same low point down the road.
“I know someone that went to treatment and relapsed.”
Comparing another’s struggles with their own can often be destructive. Comparison can even make someone believe certain things about rehab, affecting their perception of help. Relapse, however, is an unfortunate reality of treatment that must be addressed. In fact, it is important to acknowledge that most who receive treatment for substance abuse will relapse at some point. Acknowledging the difficulty of overcoming substance abuse is also important. As scary as it seems, relapsing should not be a deterrence to seeking out life-saving treatment. Addressing this truth can help overcome a scary reality that is just another part of the difficult process of fighting addiction. At the end of the day, getting help should be encouraged regardless of the risks associated with treatment.
Talking with someone about getting help can be one of the hardest conversations you can have. However, looking past these excuses and towards getting help can be the difference between life and death for your loved one. Walking alongside your loved one in these conversations can be an important factor in one seeking help with addiction. Sometimes a guarantee of support is all a loved one may need.
Call our admissions team today to get yourself or a loved one the help they need.
Created specifically for those who have loved ones that struggle with addiction.