Do you need tips on how to get someone you care about and love to go into a sober living home or rehab? Then read on.

Alcoholism and addiction is confusing, extremely stressful and reduces the ability to function — and it’s much more prevalent than we often think. According to a recent Pew Report, over 45% of Americans know someone such as a friend or family member who is struggling with or has struggled with a alcoholism or an addiction disorder. Watching someone we care about deal with addiction can be difficult, even heartbreaking. Even if they have hurt us over the years or are currently acting in an unhealthy way, we want them to healthy and have a wonderful life. Your actions and words may help save someone’s life; you are not as powerless as you may feel.

sober living, addiction intervention, addiction recovery

Suggestions on how to get someone to go get help or go into rehab.

Get Educated

Learn about alcoholism and addiction; know the facts so that you can talk to them to help them understand. Getting someone to get help by going into rehab or into a sober living environment isn’t easy so be sure to research and have solid information available. Put yourself in their place so that you may be able to see what they may be experiencing, how their addiction started and grew in the first place, and what may happen if they are not able to get sober. Get prepared so you can offer the best resources so you will better relay the benefits of sober living.

Get Their Attention by Hosting an Intervention

It’s easy to have an intervention but also easy to make mistakes. Have an intervention for the health of the loved one and how it affects family and friends. Begin by including those who are closest and will carry a positive impact for the meeting. An intervention can cause distress and be embarrassing for the addict, so only involve family and friends. Speak from the position of compassion and love instead of anger. Many addicts experience a lot of guilt as it is, and unfortunately guilt alone will not encourage one to the path of sobriety. It could over-burden the person pushing them away. Last, be sure to have a list of immediate resources for your loved one if they choose to take your advice by going into treatment.

Show Care and Understanding but be Firm

It’s not easy to predict if someone you love and care about will respond to your presentation of information and efforts. They may respond in anger or fear, however, it’s important that you are firm after presenting your case. They may insist that they don’t have an issue or need addiction rehabilitation, or may even say that you’re attempting to control them. It’s very important to listen to them but be sure to stay firm with the reason for the intervention. Don’t give up or back down. Helping a loved one on the right path can change their life forever.

The Language You Use is Important

You also want to be careful about the tone you use. Try not to be argumentative or use accusatory language.

You will want to avoid using the following words as much as possible:

Cannot/Can’t

Will Not or Won’t

Addict/Junkie

Bad, Ruin

Wrong

Drunk/Alcoholic

Please take great care in what you say because they may be defensive and feel that you are attacking them personally. Try your best to be supportive, even when hurt and frustrated.

Getting Someone onto a Sober Living Path May Save Their Life

Hopefully using the tips on how to get someone to go into a sober living home or addiction center will encourage them to get the help needed. Always remember that a caring and loving approach can be successful – even when you feel there is no hope.

If you’re need more information about alcoholism or addiction or want to talk to someone, we’re always available. Call 512-497-2147.