What To Say To Someone Going To Rehab

Do You Know What To Say To Someone Going To Rehab?

When a friend or family member enters a drug rehab facility, it can be an awkward and uncomfortable moment when they go. Do you know what to say to someone going to rehab? It's important that the person you have been worried about, and maybe argued with, knows you are supportive.

Finding The Right Words

Perhaps you were part of an intervention that was successful in convincing your loved one to take this important step toward recovery. Now as he or she enters rehab you need to know what to say to someone going to rehab, but you are at a loss for words. Here are a few suggestions that might help you put together the right words.

• Your loved one is probably frightened and fearful they may lose connections with family and friends. Reassure him or her by saying, "This is the right choice. Do whatever you need to do to get better."
• Even though your contact time is likely to be limited during rehab, let them know your shoulder is available whenever needed. A simple, " I am and will be here for you," means a lot. When you are in contact, let you loved one know you are proud of the choices he or she has made.
• Join a support group for friends and family of addicts so you can learn to have an ongoing supportive relationship as he or she continues in recovery. Tell your loved one, "I'm going to a group therapy program too. We will go through this together."
• Entering rehab was a mixed bag of emotions for your loved one including fear of failure, embarrassment, and self-loathing for being an addict. "I am proud of you and love you," is the most important thing you can say. Your relationship was suffering before your loved one or friend entered rehab, but starting on day one it will go forward and strengthen.

Doing The Right Things

Now that your loved one has entered a treatment facility, it's important to know how to talk to someone in rehab and be encouraging. Drop-out rates are fairly high, and you don't want your friend to follow that path. You need to be supportive without becoming co-dependent. Let him or her know the right decision has been made, but don't act like he or she is doing you a favor. Be supportive, calm, encouraging, and matter-of-fact. Be supportive of the rehab program, but not sympathetic with your loved one. He or she must never forget it was their own choices that caused the addiction.

Your loved one needs to know the whole process of recovery is something they are doing for themselves. It's not being done for family or friends. Even though the outcome will mean better relationships with the people he or she loves, success in recovery depends on the addict wanting his or her life back the way it was before drugs or alcohol. Personal responsibility is the key to recovery.

How To Act When You Phone Or Visit

When visiting someone in rehab, you have to be patient. Your friend's addiction caused a lot of damage to his or her thinking, habits, and actions. Rehabilitation undoes that damage, but it is one step at a time. Don't expect to see instant improvement and changes in personality and attitude. It doesn't happen that way. As you learn how to talk to someone in rehab, you will be able to deflect any sarcasm or complaints he or she tosses at you. They are learning how to deal with life and its frustrations and stresses while sober. Your patience will be encouraging to them. You will be tested when visiting someone in rehab. Expect it, and don't let it upset you.

If you need help with an intervention or in locating the right rehab treatment facility, help is just a phone call away.