It can be devastating when a loved one refuses treatment for their addiction — especially if they won’t even acknowledge that they have a problem. Although this is frustrating, keep in mind that no one is beyond help. There are ways to get them to admit their problem and seek the addiction help they need without forcing them. The success rate is higher for those who go into rehab on their own. They may be refusing treatment now, but anyone can change their mind with the right encouragement.
Create Consequences When a Loved One Refuses Treatment
The first thing you should try when someone you care about is refusing treatment is to set boundaries with distinct consequences. Make sure that these consequences are not empty threats. Stick to the boundaries you set. They need to know you are serious and that their addictive behaviors have an effect on them and the people around them. They also need to come to the realization that they need addiction treatment.
Consequences will vary from one person to another. Tailor yours to suit their individual personality and age group. Simple tactics work for many, such as taking all drugs and alcohol out of the house or removing internet privileges.
Others may require something more drastic. You could remove visitation rights, move out, or call the authorities when their addictive behaviors get out of hand. Whatever consequence you put in place, make sure you stress that this is because they need drug addiction help.
Stop Being an Enabler
Enabling an addiction refers to any action you do that supports their habit. You may not even realize you are doing it. Think about the financial support you provide. Do you buy them their groceries, offer them inexpensive housing, or loan them money? All of these allow them to have excess money to spend on their addiction.
Do you hide their addiction from others? Think about how many times you have covered up their problem by making excuses for them when they don’t make it to scheduled events. Stop all help. You will help them out more by not doing their schoolwork, professional work, or housework. Most importantly, don’t supply them with drugs or alcohol.
Once you quit being an enabler, it forces them to work harder to feed their addiction. Without any help, they will realize the impact their addiction has.
Know What to Expect When a Loved One Refuses Treatment
Addictions are powerful. Expect a fallout once you set consequences and withdraw your help. This is not what they want. They may try to manipulate you so that you will once again enable them.
Don’t fall for false promises when they swear they will stop using. Don’t cave for their threats and emotional appeals either. They might threaten to stop talking to you or try to convince you that if you loved them you wouldn’t be doing this.
Recognize false statements such as claims that they’ve stopped using on their own. Addicts can’t switch off their addiction that easily without drug addiction help in Kansas from a place like Sunflower Wellness Retreat.
Resist their pleas, even though this will be hard to do. Stick to the consequences you made, and ignore the emotional strain they will put on you. Only react if their threats become violent. Tough love is extremely hard to do, but the reward will be seeing them getting the help they need.
Don’t let your loved one’s refusal to get treatment discourage you. You can encourage them to admit they have a problem and get the help they need. Once they reach this point, contact us today at 855.730.8825 to start them on their road to recovery.
