It’s easy to be a bystander to someone who is battling addiction and question their actions. It seems so obvious to us: If your life and health are being destroyed by addiction, you should seek help.
But life is so much more complicated than that. Maybe Katie worries that she just doesn’t have what it takes to be sober. Maybe Michael fears the emotional pain that will surely plague him if he can’t use alcohol or drugs to escape. Then there are the issues of money, work and possible children to raise.
To many, sobriety looks like a mountain that is just too scary to climb.
Avoiding Rehab—What To Do About It
Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. Don’t judge your loved one’s behavior. Don’t ask why they started using drugs in the first place. And don’t ask why they choose to keep hurting you.
Those questions distract from the real issue: What your loved one can do to get better. Condemnation and guilt are not successful ways to show someone you love them and care about his or her best interests.
Instead, educate yourself about what a good rehab can offer—and share it with your loved one. If need be, consider hiring a professional interventionist to help you.
Rehab isn’t just about taking something that was once pleasurable away. It’s about building a new life. It’s also about discovering what made you vulnerable to addiction in the first place—and dealing with it.
The bottom line? Rehab is about getting better, happier and stronger.
Hope at The Raleigh House
The Raleigh House is a residential treatment center located in Denver that believes in a comprehensive approach to recovery. Breaking free from addiction offers a path to a new and vastly better life— and we can lead your loved one on that journey. Fill out our form or call today to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs.
