If someone you care about is suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD), you are likely on an emotional roller coaster of your own. It is never easy to watch someone you love struggle with addiction. Sometimes, it is challenging for your loved one to accept your help. The goal is substance abuse treatment in a reputable program that offers evidence-based therapies and expert support. How can you meaningfully facilitate the process? Getting your loved one help for substance abuse is possible but not necessarily simple.
CeDAR offers help for substance abuse in Denver, CO. Our evidence-based therapies provided by compassionate professionals can help your loved one successfully begin recovery. At CeDAR, your loved one will experience medical and therapeutic care and oversight in a comfortable facility that offers detox and rehab services, both inpatient and outpatient. Reach out to learn more about getting your loved one help for substance abuse. Call 720.848.3000 or use our online form.
Signs that Your Loved One May Have a Substance Use Disorder
There are numerous warning signs that someone may be abusing or addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some are subtle behavioral or physical changes, and some are much more obvious. Consider the questions below. Does your loved one:
- Self-isolate and withdraw from friends and family?
- Hang out with an entirely new group of friends?
- Look different, including signs of poor hygiene or significant weight gain or loss?
- Experience sleep disturbances like insomnia or somnolence?
- Have noticeable mood swings?
- Fail to meet commitments at work or school?
- Have no interest in once-loved activities?
- Talk about quitting or cutting back but never can?
- Show signs of withdrawal when the addictive substance of choice is unavailable?
- Have more than one driving under the influence (DUI) offense but continue using?
- Show signs they might lose housing or a job?
- Lie about their SUD-related habits?
- Steal to cover financial gaps due to the fallout of substance abuse?
- Have health concerns or diagnoses that may be related to substance abuse?
Any concerns you have are worthy of your attention. You know your loved one well and will be one of the first to notice changes, including subtle ones that others may not see.
Steps in Helping a Loved One Get Help for Substance Abuse
The first thing to understand is that, at first, your loved one will likely be unable to admit there is a problem. Proceed slowly and with patience.
Having a conversation about addiction with someone struggling with it is not something anyone looks forward to or enjoys. These conversations can be fraught with landmines. Go easy on yourself and the person struggling with addiction. Remember to approach the conversation with love, understanding, and compassion. Here are some pointers to help you approach this critical conversation:
- Share honestly – Rather than stating opinions about addiction or questioning their choices, simply share objective data and your observations.
- Listen – Without interruption, listen to what they have to say. Consider whatever they say. Even if you disagree, you will gain insights into their perspective and how close or far they are from accepting that they have a problem. By listening, you bring them closer rather than alienating them by doing all the talking.
- Be prepared – You may be met with complete denial that there is a problem, excuses, anger, resentment, outrage, and other defense mechanisms. This conversation will probably be the first of many. Even if this first talk is not satisfactory to you, realize that your loved one may have heard something you said and be able to return to the conversation another day.
- Have good information – Be ready to offer them information without judgment or demands. Simply hand them a list of resources, a stack of brochures for local rehab programs, or the location of the nearest Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting—or a meeting of a similar organization that can help them. Offer to go with them if they want.
Since this is likely just the first of several conversations, think of it as opening a door. The more accepting, compassionate, and open you are, the more likely there will be another conversation. As long as the door stays open, you will be able to help.
Consider Substance Abuse Treatment with CeDAR
Are you ready to learn more about substance abuse treatment for someone you love? Do you have questions the CeDAR staff can answer as you seek guidance? We can assist you in getting your loved one help for substance abuse, and we can provide them with evidence-based therapies and rehab services when it’s time. Contact CeDAR today by calling 720.848.3000 or completing this online form.