Can You Force Someone Into Rehab?

Addiction to drugs or alcohol always harbours a deeper problem than just over-consumption. When a person overuses a substance, it is a sign that there is a deep underlying problem that must be dealt with. The situation may not seem severe but addictions can easily spiral out of control. However, rehab centres nationwide are ready and waiting to help 24/7.

In any case, if the person consumes a substance to the point of endangering their life, there must be actions to help this person. Whether this is yourself, or someone that you know. If you are the addict in question, then you may wonder if rehab can be forced upon you. Any help that is offered to you, is only and always in your best interest, for your mental and physical health.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Signs and symptoms of addiction must be taken seriously. If you suffer from more than three of these signs, then you should seriously consider being evaluated. The symptoms of the pathology will vary according to the addiction suffered. Each person’s individual personality characteristics will make addiction appear different in each case. However, there are some common symptoms that you should be aware of.

• Loss of control of use – taking the substance is taking over your/their life
• Sad mood or depression
• Irritability
• Impaired quality of life
• Denial or self-delusion
• Anxiety
• Obsession
• Excessive restlessness or worry
• Insomnia

The intensity of the symptoms is variable depending on the amount of drug consumed. Also the frequency of consumption will also make a difference. Any addiction is best faced and treated with rehabilitation. This is where you can overcome it in a methodical and, more importantly, safe way.

Physical signs of a severe and dangerous addiction (and overdose) are:

• Intense respiratory problems
• A rise in temperature
• A decrease in heart rate
• Pulse disturbances
• Coma

 

Why Your Loved One Doesn’t Want Help

It can take a lot of courage to admit a problem. Many times we do not want to admit to it. It has nothing to do with you as a friend or relative. The reasons may vary. However, some of the reasons may come from the strong stigma of rehab. Many people do not know what it entails and how to enter it. Some other reasons may include:

• They weren’t ready to stop using, mentally or physically
• They are worried about how they are going to pay for rehab
• They didn’t know where to get treatment or the available treatments for them
• They were afraid of what their friends/family/colleagues may think
• They were afraid it might affect their job
• They were worried that they would not be able to recover

Once you have acknowledged their worries and fears, you can move forward. However, their addiction may be severe, and they may genuinely still be in that phase of denial. If you are concerned about a relative or friend, it can cause many fears. That is why you must look at all options when other pathways have possibly failed.

 

What to Do When Someone Won’t Go to Rehab

If someone close to you is a drug addict, you obviously want to help them. This person must agree to recover and go to the rehab centre of their own free will. This is the only way that their recovery can be successful. Rehab works when the addict wants to get healthy again. You can’t force anyone into rehab and it would be futile to try. However, there are some small cases where they may be exceptions.

In the event of a criminal conviction, rehab may be suggested or imposed upon the person. However, nothing is black and white and each case is treated as an individual case. Anyone who is using substances will greatly benefit from medical assistance, psychological support and social support.

The best course of approach is to gently broach the subject and speak to them about the options available. It is possible that they have no idea what to expect in rehab. You can speak to them about the treatments and therapies on offer. Talk to them about positive experiences and give them sources of information to do their own research in their own time. Tell them about the safe and secure environment of different clinics. Afterall, it will be a huge change for them.

 

Staging an Intervention

You may be wondering, is intervention possible when someone is substance abusing? Well, physically this is not the best approach. You can’t force anyone by any means. Intervention is simply a gentle way to give them a small push to consider rehab.

Intervention is a tactic that involves a consultation with a doctor or professional such as a licensed alcohol and drug counsellor. During this time, there will be a gentle talk relating to how they can be helped, how they are feeling, what their long term goals are and more. There are different kinds of interventions, but there is usually a procedure that professionals adhere to. Some of the steps may include:

1. Making a plan – this may be to get the addict and any other close friends/family
2. Gather information about the addict and their problems, including their fears
3. Form the intervention team which may consist of doctors or other professionals
4. Decide on the best course of action as well as potential consequences
5. Make notes and gather information before the meeting, to speak clearly and eloquently
6. Hold the intervention meeting in a safe place and somewhere everyone will feel comfortable
7. Follow up afterwards

If you are concerned about a relative, it is important that you speak to them. Voicing your concern could shock them into realising there is a problem. It may not, however, it is still best to show you are worried. Don’t be harsh. Don’t be angry. Negative emotions will not bring a happy outcome. You have to work collaboratively or seek out the intervention to ensure that they get the help that they truly need and desire.