How Do I Convince My Friend to Seek Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

If you believe your friend’s abuse of alcohol has become dangerous to their health and to their daily life, you can call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) today to find a rehab center that will cater to their needs. Sometimes, however, it can be hard to convince your loved one of these facts, a task that can be made easier with the tips below.

Stay Calm

Above all, you will need to keep calm when you start talking to your friend about your concerns for their health and their dangerous levels of alcohol consumption. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Hostility when confronted about drug dependence” is one of the most common side effects of dangerous drug abuse, and alcohol misuse is no exception.

You will need to keep as calm as possible in order to give the conversation a shot at success. If you do begin to become upset, step away and resolve to discuss it again at another time.

Use “I” Statements

Promise to support your friend through treatment.

When you decide to talk to your friend about their alcohol rehab, try to stay away from accusatory statements like “You drink too much” or “Your drinking hurts me.” Instead, attempt to focus on yourself and your feelings first and foremost.

This will often make the individual less likely to become hostile and more likely to listen. You can also help your friend come to a better conclusion themselves by helping them state the issue instead of stating it yourself.

• Your friend: I don’t feel well.
• You: Why?
• Your friend: I have a headache because I was drunk last night.
• You: Does that happen a lot?
• Your friend: Yeah.

Choosing Inpatient Alcohol Treatment for a Loved One

Promise to Support Them… If They Seek Help

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Family and friends can play critical roles in motivating individuals with drug problems to enter and stay in treatment.” You can achieve this by making two promises to them.

• Promise your loved one that you will support them while they are in treatment and then hold up your end of the bargain. Visit them in their rehab facility, write to them often, and listen to them when they are struggling. Your promise of support will help make it easier for them to admit they need help and then to seek it.
• Promise as well that, if your loved one doesn’t seek treatment, you will not be able to go on supporting their behavior, whatever this means to you. Perhaps you will have to tell them you will no longer lend them money or that they cannot continue to stay with you. Whatever you decide, tell them honestly and then stick to your promise.

Find a Program for Them

It can also help to have a rehab program in mind for your loved one so that they can transition straight into treatment after your conversation. This will discourage them from saying they will seek help when really they have no intention of doing so.

To find rehab centers that will offer your friend safe, reliable care for alcohol abuse, call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) now.