Alcohol use disorders kill over 3 million people each year in the United States. If you feel that your loved one is dealing with alcohol addiction, this isn’t something that you want to avoid. You need to be supportive while also explaining the importance of them going to rehab to get through it all. But having that conversation about going to alcohol rehab in Ventura County can be difficult.
Luckily, you won’t be the first one to go through it. If you want some advice on how to navigate this situation, you should keep reading this article.
First Do Your Research
Before you talk to a loved one about going to rehab in Ventura, you need to first do your research.
You will want to know what you need to talk about and how you should talk about alcohol addiction in order to bring up the conversation to someone that you care about. The more you understand it, the more you will be empathetic to a substance abuse problem. This will allow you to talk about it in a way that will be heard rather than shut down.
In addition to learning more about the language, you will also want to know more about an alcohol rehab center in Ventura county that you are looking at so that you can explain more about it and how it can help.
You will also want to research the signs and symptoms of an alcohol abuse problem before making assumptions. These include but are not limited to:
- Continuing to drink even with the problems that it is causing with friends and family
- Craving alcohol
- Wanting to stop drinking but can’t stop
- Avoiding activities once loved
- Participating in risky behaviors while using the substance
Consult a Medical Professional
Another thing that is helpful before talking to a loved one is to consult with a medical professional or healthcare professional who can give you more information.Â
You should ask as many questions as you feel necessary to get a better understanding of addiction, withdrawal, and treatment options.
Once you consult with a medical professional, they will give you a better understanding if your loved one is facing an alcohol abuse disorder and what the next steps should be for you.
Have the Conversation With Your Loved One
Once you learn more about the substance abuse problem and speak with a professional, it’s time to have the conversation with your loved one.
But before you do, you need to be aware that you need to go into it in a way that is the least judgmental as possible. You need to be honest but understanding and take feelings into consideration.
When you are planning the conversation, keep the following in mind:
- Plan what you are going to say ahead of time so that you don’t fumble on your thoughts
- Focus only on facts – never bring up lack of willpower or failing at avoiding substances
- Make sure that your loved one feels loved and supported during the entire convo
- Choose the right time to talk – make sure your loved one is not high or intoxicated
Set Boundaries
During the conversation, it is important to communicate your boundaries as well. Setting expectations in your relationship with our loved one can help them feel more comfortable and respected.
These boundaries may be that you will not have any alcohol in your home, so they are not welcome to bring in any either. You may state that until there is no alcohol use, they cannot use the car. These boundaries are something you should think of ahead of time.
Lead With Compassion
If you want to get your point across in the best way possible, you need to be compassionate.
This means that you should never place blame on someone struggling with a substance abuse disorder.
Instead, you should lead with sentences and words that show that you care about them.
For instance, you could say:
- “You’re not alone, but things do get better”
- “How about we go on a hike in nature to get out of the house and away from alcohol?”
With these statements, you are showing you care but also are being stern in a way to help them get away from the problem.
Do Not Protect Them From Consequences
This is one of the most important things to remember, although it is a hard one.
If you want to make a difference in your loved one’s life, then you need to show them that you support them without enabling them.
This means that you need to encourage responsibility and let them feel the effects of their behavior. If you don’t, they may feel that you are supporting them in their bad behavior and won’t fix it. This is the last thing you want to happen!
By encouraging responsibility, you are also making them accept the fact that they are the ones that need to change. You can’t change them.
Talking to a Loved One About Alcohol Rehab in Ventura County
When it comes time to talk to a loved one about alcohol rehab in Ventura County, you should follow these tips. This isn’t an easy conversation (nor will it ever be), but following this advice will make it easier for you and your loved one alike.
Here at Altitude Recovery Community, we have an entire process of admitting people to help with substance abuse. If you want to learn more about this process before talking with your loved one, click here.
