Steps To Finding Treatment For a Loved One With Substance Use Disorder

If you want to help someone you care about recover, the best way to approach them is to show concern and offer support.

It's never easy witnessing a loved one struggle with substance use disorder. However, if you want to help someone you care about recover, the best way to approach them is to show concern and offer support. Ask your loved ones if you can help them start their recovery journey. When substance users are willing to start treatment, it's crucial to find the proper help, support, recovery professional, and coach.

Substance use disorder symptoms and behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following list-

  • A decline in personal hygiene and physical appearance

  • Decreased work efficiency

  • Decreased coordination at work and personal life

  • Relationship problems

  • Financial problems due to spending money on drugs or alcohol

  • Frequently denying or lying about the substance use issue

  • Decreased social interactions; The user starts to be around other users or isolated

  • Increasing tolerance of the substances over time and as a result, usage increases significantly

  • Exhibits withdrawal symptoms

  • Becomes involved in dangerous situations like driving under the influence, drinking before work, etc.

  • The user tries to do illegal/immoral activities like stealing

Here are nine steps to find the best treatment for a loved one struggling with substance use-

  1. Take recommendations from professionals and friends to find a Psychiatrist or specialist. Avoid blind google searches!

  2. Find a recovery coach or case manager to help your family attain your family's recovery goals.

  3. Encourage your loved one to join 12 step meetings, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and the other free community support services that exist in your area or online.

  4. Consult with a recommended licensed clinician. Ask your community who they know or where they started their recovery treatment. There is no shame in therapy! It's far less taboo than it once used to be.

  5. Most people know at least one person who has struggled and become healthier with their addiction. Inquire about how they recovered and if they went to treatment.

  6. Find someone you can trust to guide you in this process. Quality treatment is essential since this may be the only chance you have.

  7. Attend family support groups, attend therapy for yourself, reach out and share honestly with people you trust. Keep in mind if the family heals, there is a higher likelihood your loved one will succeed.

  8. If your loved one is in danger and refuses to seek help, find a reputable interventionist. There is a list on the AIS website by clicking here.

  9. When you speak to programs and professionals, ask a lot of questions. Look them up, and do your research. Quality care means everything in finding lasting change for our loved ones and our families.

The process of guiding someone you care about into recovery treatment can be a long and challenging one – but it's one of the single most important things a person might do in their life.

Samantha Penn