What to Say to Someone in Rehab: A Family’s Guide to Supporting Their Loved One in Rehab

10% of adults in America experience a substance abuse disorder during their lifetime. 75% of those struggling with an addiction don’t even get the help they need.

This is why it’s so important to show support for loved ones when they agree to enter rehab. Yet, it can be a confusing time and a life-changing transition for all involved.

You may wonder, how do you show your support? How do you make the transition smoother? How do you communicate with them and what to say to someone in rehab?

These questions will get answered in this substance abuse rehab guide for families. Read on for how to support your loved ones while going through rehab.

Communicate Thoughts of Encouragement

When someone you love is struggling with an addiction, it’s important to keep communication honest and open. These signs show that it’s time for a loved one to consider rehab. Once they agree to get help, be sure to let them know how much you admire them for their decision.

Focus on encouraging them through the process. Share stories of success from other people you know who battled with substance abuse. This will help them stay confident in their choice to get help.

Communication is a two-way street, so keep it flowing. Ask them how you can help them get through this. But also listen to their questions and concerns.

It’s important to avoid triggers or topics of conversation that can upset them. It can be easy to become bitter or upset when dealing with an addict.

But do your best to stay neutral during your conversations. Don’t place blame or make them feel guilty for past actions while under the influence.

Try to maintain an even tone of voice and use words to explain emotions. Pause the conversation if you notice them getting angry or upset.

Share Your Support Plan

Support plays an important role in drug addiction help for family members. Show your support by discussing treatment options and coming up with a plan together.

Talk about different forms of therapy and what recovery efforts appeal to them. Be sure to give them tons of options so they feel more in control of the situation.

Come up with a list of qualities and services that you both desire in a rehab facility. Then you can visit or research online facilities that may meet their needs. Educate them on the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Make sure they are well aware of the treatment process and how long it takes. Explain the warning signs of relapse and how to avoid triggers. It’s crucial to show you will be there with them every step of the way.

Focus on the Positive Aspects

It’s important to keep family members focused on the positive aspects of rehab. This will help them to understand that they are embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

Reinforce these points to help them stay positive during rehab:

• They are taking action to get their life back in control
• They are seeking help from professionals skilled in addiction recovery
• They are working towards curing their addiction
• They will be meeting and interacting with other people who have been through the same experiences and emotional traumas
• They will get surrounded by positive influences in a safe environment

Discuss the advantages of them gaining a support group while in rehab. They will also get psychological help through therapy and counseling.

It also helps to focus on features they will enjoy at rehab like meditating, painting, yoga, and making new friends.

Prepare for the Road Ahead

The road to recovery will take great time, commitment, and effort on their part. Help to prepare them for what happens once they check into a rehab center.

Many people wonder: can you visit someone in rehab? Most facilities call for a period of quiet content. This is where the patient does not accept any visitors and takes time to only focus on their treatment.

This may cause a bit of anxiety at first. But let your loved one know that it is a standard practice and helps with the transition.

Be sure they are aware of any signs that a relapse may be occurring. About 50% of people who get treatment for alcohol abuse will relapse in less than a year. Help support them and share these tips to decrease their risk of relapsing.

Show Tough Love When Needed

Addiction can turn people angry, bitter, and depressed. You can expect behavior changes when dealing with a wife or husband in rehab. They may do and say things that they wouldn’t otherwise.

It’s okay to show tough love to ensure they get the help they need. Share your feelings about how the addiction has affected your relationship.

Be open about the damage their substance abuse has caused. If you’re not ready to speak to them, consider writing a letter instead. It’s important to note that violence should never get tolerated in any relationship.

Discuss Relationship Repair

Broken relationships are often the result of knowing a loved one who battles addiction with drugs or alcohol. Stay open-minded to how rehab will help heal your relationship moving forward.

If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend in rehab, it’s important to take time to work on the relationship after they get treatment. You’ll need to learn forgiveness, which takes a lot of time and effort from both sides. But it’s helpful for the addicted person to know you’re open to repairing the relationship.

Let them know you’ll be visiting once they get allowed to have family members present. Be sure to attend family days or workshops to show involvement in their recovery. So they know they won’t be going through treatment alone and have a strong support system.

It’s also important to discuss the plan for after they get out of rehab. Prepare them for a new sober lifestyle and how you will help them stay clean. This helps to avoid triggers and reduce the risk of relapse.

Showing Love and Support: What to Say to Someone in Rehab

Yes, it can be tough when learning what to say to someone in rehab. But, remember that showing your love and support are the most effective ways to help someone who is going through treatment.

Honest communication is key when it comes to battling addiction together, as a family. Learn more about how rehab can help someone you know who is struggling with addiction.