Addiction is a difficult situation for everyone involved. Not only does the addicted person suffer, but their friends and family can too. Finding out someone you care about has an addiction is a taxing thought, and your first instinct will be to help them, but there are certain ways to approach the situation. It is important when asking ‘how to speak to an addict’ or someone in rehab that you speak in a constructive manner to open the lines of communication.
How to Speak to an Addict or Someone in Rehab
Show Your Support
You may not agree with the behaviour of the person with an addiction, and they may have hurt you and others through their actions, but to gain trust you must give trust. Speak to them in an honest and matter of fact way, but do not blame or criticise them. Instead, remind them that you are speaking up because you care. If their health and wellbeing are in jeopardy, or the fabrics of their relationships are torn, let them know that you are willing to support them in recovery.
Be Very Specific
Talking to someone about their addiction can cause denial and even arguments from the opposing side. To get your point across you must be very specific about their behaviour. Bring up certain incidents that have been a result of their addiction or have caused damage. Speak in the first person as well, doing so offers little room for the addicted person to dispute general perceptions or emotions.
Encourage Them
In general, people with addictions have disregard for their own individual situation, but they may care about the people or future plans they are harming. If the addicted person has a family, kids or a career they love, talk to them about these things and how their addiction is affecting them. There is usually a way to fix the problem before it becomes worse, so be sure to reiterate that they are in control of whether they want to have a positive or negative impact on their life, and the lives they are apart of.
Be Prepared
Talking to someone with an addiction can be stressful, so you may want to write down your thoughts before you start the conversation. While you cannot predict how the other person will respond, you must be ready for anything. Be sure to listen, work only on factual information, and show your true intentions, which is to support them and provide the assistance they may not even feel they need.
It can be a daunting task to speak with someone who has an addiction, but your confrontation can be dealt with in a way that helps both parties. To learn more about addiction or HARP Private Rehab rehabilitation facility, contact our team today.
Where to get help for a loved one
When it comes to learning more about ‘how to speak to an addict’, our luxury rehab centre and residential treatment facility located in Olinda, just outside of Melbourne, can offer a serene and tranquil environment to accommodate the healing process for your loved ones.
You can learn more about our services and facility by exploring our website, or contacting our professional team on 1800 422 711 or [email protected].
