It can be extremely difficult to admit that your loved one has a problem. However, it is even harder for them to admit this to themselves. They may make every excuse in the book, saying that they can quit an addiction any time they want or that it is just there to control their stress.

However, after a while, you cannot simply stand by and watch them destroy themselves. It is time for them to start considering rehab.

Encourage them to admit the problem

Once you have decided to stage an intervention to encourage your loved one to take the first steps into rehab, it is important not to immediately push them into it. Many addicts will feel embarrassed about their behaviour and will not want to openly admit that what they are doing is wrong.

The first step to moving forward towards a positive future is to slowly allow the addict to come to terms with their own problems. Ask open-ended questions and allow the person to feel safe and comfortable while talking to you.

The softer and less judgemental your conversation is, the likelier the addict is to come to terms with their problem. If they are willing to admit that they have a problem, then they can slowly start making steps to changing it.

Empathise, don’t nag 

While you should never enable an addict’s behaviour, there is a big difference between nagging and empathising with the addict’s situation. It is up to you as a loved one to provide the compassion and support necessary for them to get the help that they require.

You should never put a loved one under pressure to change for your sake. If you instead provide the love that they need to feel emotionally connected to you, they may inadvertently use you as inspiration to move forward with a rehab program.

The more comfortable your loved one feels around you, the more likely that you can encourage them to get the help they desperately need.

Do the research

Rehab only appears scary because of an addict’s lack of knowledge of it. That is why it is up to you to slowly inform them about the consequences of their addiction, as well as the treatments that the addict could receive through joining a rehab program.

The online world is a menagerie of knowledge that is ready for you to uncover. Check out information from the scheme FRANK before you stage an intervention. The more you know, the more likely you will be able to empathise with your loved one and encourage them to go to rehab.

Let the addict make the choice

It is important to make sure that the addict does have a choice when it comes to going to rehab. There are a number of notable rehabilitation centres around the United Kingdom, meaning that the addict can reap benefits of rehab in London, Surrey or wherever else they live in the country.

Therefore, if they do decide to receive rehabilitation treatment, they do not have to be far away from their families or loved ones. Whether or not they go to rehab is a choice that they need to make on their own. Do not force them, but instead offer love and understanding. When they are ready to go, then you can be there to fully support them along the way.