How to Enlist a Loved One in Addiction Rehab

Having a loved one experience substance use can be extremely difficult. Watching how substance use can negatively impact all aspects of an individual’s life can be draining. Many individuals are unaware of the amount of individuals who experience substance use. In 2021, 61.2 million individuals, 12 years of age or older, reported that they engaged in the use of a substance. (1) In 2022, 20.4 million individuals were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. (2) Of the individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder, only 10.3 percent received treatment. (3) With such high statistics regarding substance use, friends and families may feel obligated to help their loved one seek addiction rehab treatment.

Our goal at New Pathway Counseling is to help reduce the number of individuals who experience substance use, regardless of their age or background. Following the SOARFIT model and the philosophes outlined in the 12-steps, we work hard to help individuals reach long-term sobriety. Contact us today to learn more and to get started on your new pathway to recovery.

Identifying Drug Addiction in a Loved One’s Behavior

The first step to helping a loved one receive proper addiction treatment is being able to identify the signs and behaviors associated with drug addiction.

Signs and symptoms associated with substance use disorders and addiction include:

Continuing to engage in substance use despite experiencing negative consequences
Using more of a substance for a longer period of time than intended
Experiencing intense psychological cravings
Experiencing the inability to control how much of a substance is taken and for how long
Having family members and friends express their concerns regarding substance use
Experiencing a lack of motivation
Socially isolating oneself from friends and family
No longer being interested in hobbies and activities that were enjoyed before substance use began
Experiencing a lack of personal hygiene
Experiencing changes in sleeping patterns, having difficulties falling or staying asleep, or sleeping for longer periods of time
Experiencing a loss of appetite, often leading to extreme weight loss
Experiencing financial and/or legal issues related to substance use
Possessing drug paraphernalia
Developing a tolerance, or needing to consume larger amounts of the substance in order to reach the desired effects
Experiencing physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal when substance use is stopped or cut back

These are just general guidelines regarding substance use disorders. A diagnostic assessment done by a licensed clinician should be done in order for an individual to receive an official diagnosis.

Discussing the Need for Treatment with a Loved One

If you suspect that a loved one has been engaging in substance use, the best time to talk to them about seeking substance use treatment is now. Open lines of communication can help you determine if your loved one is open to receiving treatment. It is possible that your loved one may be in denial or communicate resistance regarding addiction treatment. Some individuals may seek the help of a professional interventionist who can help you initiate a plan and encourage the individual engaging in substance to receive treatment.

Searching for Addiction Treatment & Therapy Options

It can be overwhelming to search for addiction treatment and therapy options. Here at New Pathway, we offer programs that focus on the SOARFIT model. This model helps individuals attend a substance use program at the level of intensity needed for their success. Our addiction treatment program typically begins in our intensive outpatient program and individuals step down as needed.

Choosing the Appropriate Addiction Treatment Program

Choosing the appropriate addiction treatment program is heavily based on an individual’s specific treatment needs.

Here at New Pathway Counseling, we offer the following addiction treatment programs:

Outpatient Program – This program focuses on evidence-based treatment, allowing for each individual to attend sessions weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on their progress and needs.
Intensive Outpatient – This program allows for each individual to attend individual, group, family therapy and relapse prevention while following a structured schedule.
Adolescent Day Program – This program is designed for individuals ages 12-18 who experience substance use and have been unsuccessful in outpatient programs and a traditional school environment.
Medically Assisted Treatment – Refers to the use of medications to help aid with the negative symptoms of withdrawal that may be present once an individual stops or cuts back their substance use.

Overcoming Treatment Barriers: How to Get Started

The amount of individuals needing treatment, compared to those who receive it, do not align with one another. This is due to treatment barriers. Overcoming treatment barriers takes time, discipline, and perseverance.

Common barriers to addiction rehab treatment include:

An individual not accepting that they are experiencing addiction or dependency to a substance
Not being able to afford treatment whether this is due to a lack of health coverage or finances
One’s socioeconomic status or geographical location
Not having enough time to attend treatment
Not wanting to deal with the stigma associated with substance use
Not being able to receive treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders

Helping a Loved One During the Treatment & Recovery Process

Helping a loved one during the treatment and recovery process is not easy. Research has found that family support plays a vital role in an individual’s treatment outcomes. (4) Here at New Pathway Counseling, our professional staff can help provide support and guidance to those with a loved one receiving treatment. We can help you learn how to make tough decisions, rebuild trust, and set appropriate boundaries.

Co-Occurring Disorders That May Be Present

Substance use has been found to contribute to the development of mental health disorders. (5) Approximately 1 in 4 adults, ages 18 and older, were diagnosed with a mental health disorder in 2021. (6) Substance use often exacerbates mental health disorders, and vice versa. Understanding the risk factors associated with the development of co-occurring disorders can help with reducing stigma and judgment.

Risk factors that contribute to the development of both mental health and substance use disorders: (7)

Genetics
Impairments with certain brain areas
Environmental factors such as exposure to stress and/or experiencing traumatic life events

Here at New Pathway Counseling, we offer dual-diagnosis treatment for those experiencing substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously.

Relapse Management: Motivating Your Loved One

Relapse occurs when an individual engages in substance use following a period of sobriety. Approximately two-thirds of individuals who receive substance use treatment relapse at some point. (8) Our services at New Pathway Counseling include relapse prevention to help individuals develop the tool needed to help maintain sobriety over time.

Our Simple Admissions Process

If you, or someone you love, are experiencing substance use addiction or dependency, treatment may be beneficial. Here at New Pathway Counseling, we believe that recovery can be a positive experience. With telehealth counseling available to help those with medical, geographical, or physical limitations receive treatment, we are dedicated to making treatment available to all needing it. Contact us today to begin our simple admissions process, and to receive a free, no obligation insurance benefits check. Begin your pathway to recovery with New Pathway Counseling.

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