Struggling with drug and alcohol addiction can be crippling. When you’re finally ready to accept help or be honest about your addiction with yourself, you can open up to others who can help you. The embarrassment, guilt, and shame that comes with the realization of being an addict can be a lot to bear. For many of those struggling, it feels as if you’re doing this alone. That’s usually not the case; when you are ready to seek treatment, you should tell your loved ones. A support system is a massive part of recovery, and having your family involved is often one of the only ways it feels possible. Before you go looking for substance abuse treatment, GH Recovery Solutions has a few suggestions when it comes to broaching the topic of addiction and rehab with your family.
Tips for Telling Your Loved Ones You Need Treatment
For each person, it is different. It can be challenging opening up with anything that you’re struggling with, but it’s necessary for you to get the help that you need. One might find more comfort in calling a family meeting to address everyone at once, while others may feel more comfortable speaking with their closest friend/family member alone. The most important thing for you to do is to be one hundred percent honest with whomever you talk with. Be open about your condition, your concerns, and your needs to get better.
- Be Honest -This will always be one of the hardest parts. In addiction we are used to lying about everything, big or small, but you may find comfort in opening up and being honest. Without even realizing it, your family or friends may have had an idea this has been a problem in your life and hear you speak up about your addiction may bring them comfort. It’s also important that you don’t cause my harm when you are honest, you don’t have to divulge the deep details of your addiction.It can seem tempting to put everything on the table, but sometimes that does more harm than good. Waiting until after you’re in a drug rehab program and participating in a family program can give you a safe space to confront the trauma and ripples that addiction has brought on you and your loved ones.
- Express How You Feel – Don’t be afraid to express with them your fears, that you’re overwhelmed, and that you have no idea what your next step is. Addiction can be complicated and terrifying, but admitting what’s going on with you and how you truly feel can give everyone a better idea of what the next step needs to be. Be true to yourself and how you feel. Allow the walls you have built over time to come down. Your loved ones are there for you to help you get better, you have to let them in.
- Write Down Your Feelings For some, it can be challenging to put your feelings into words about how you are feeling or what you are going through physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you find it hard to speak about these things, write them down. It’s an opportunity for you to say everything you need to say and a chance to bring the conversation to light with others. Writing it down can give you time to express what is going on truly. It’s a nerve-wracking conversation; putting pen to paper can help to alleviate any anxiety. If everything is already written down, you’re less likely to back out of the conversation or forget something you may have wanted to tell your loved ones.
Once you have been able to get honest with your loved ones about your struggle, you can begin your journey to sobriety. Having a support system help you can make the transition much easier on you, and them. They will know what is going on, and many of their unanswered questions and concerns can now be put to rest once you are safe in a treatment center. GH Recovery Solutions offers varying treatment modalities and levels of care to help you heal and achieve long-term sobriety from drugs and alcohol.
If you have had this conversation with your loved ones, or your loved one has told you that they’re struggling with addiction, please, reach out to us today. 888-345-2025