Michael’s House has been providing treatment services for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions for over thirty years. We know that getting addiction help for a loved one can seem daunting. While the American public seems to accept that rehab is the most appropriate response for substance abuse treatment, little is known about that treatment.
Here are some points to keep in mind when seeking addiction treatment for a loved one:
- The numbers matter. In 2015, according to the National Survey on Substance Abuse Treatment Services, at least 17,669 rehabs were in operation for alcohol and other drug treatment.1
- The 12-Step model is very popular. Most rehabs base the psychotherapy component of their programs on the 12-Step program used by Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Finances typically determine the length of stay. Thirty days is not a scientific number for recovery.2 Some substance abusers and addicts require treatment for months and years. Unfortunately, insurance coverage and finances often determine the length of intensive treatment.
When you have a loved one who needs addiction treatment, it is crucial to consider strategies to get the substance abuser to enroll in a program. And to know what the options are should your loved one refuse to get help. If you need answers about seeking addiction rehab for a loved one, call us today at 760.548.4032.
Rehab by Legal Force
More than 20 states allow family members to commit a substance abuser to rehab involuntarily.3
Forced admission to an addiction treatment center comes down to balancing your addicted loved one’s liberties against their personal safety and that of the public. The involuntary commitment process involves petitioning a court for permission, which varies from state to state. In general, this safeguards adults against being confined in a state or medical facility.
In criminal cases, the courts usually have the power to commit a substance abuser to rehab involuntarily. When family members or loved ones assume that role, the onus is on them to ensure the rehab experience is successful.
The good news is, as strained or difficult as the process may seem, research shows that substance abusers forced into treatment do not experience worse outcomes than those who enter voluntarily.
Family members are often encouraged to be confrontational and lay down ultimatums about rehab, but those approaches may not work as well as others.
- Brute force, shame, and humiliation tactics do more harm than good.
- Current research suggests that substance abusers respond better to the following:
- Empathy
- Respect
- Support
- Kindness
These supportive and affirming tactics leave them more open to getting the help they need.
For more information on involuntary commitment, contact a local private attorney, the local civil court, legal aid, or other legal advocacy groups. For more information on confronting a substance abuser, talk to an addiction specialist or an intervention specialist.
Working with an Intervention Specialist
The Association of Intervention Specialists provides the public with a searchable professional network of intervention service providers. Full members are Certified Intervention Specialists. An interventionist works directly with loved ones to stage and moderate an intervention meeting with the substance abuser. Interventions often come as a surprise to the substance abuser. A newer approach is to give notice of the meeting to avoid any perception of hostility or ambush.4
A noted benefit of an intervention is that it sends a message to the substance abuser that her loved ones recognize the drug problem and are ready, willing, and able to help take action to treat it. The goal is to get the person struggling with addiction to agree to the treatment program the family has already arranged.
Financing Rehab
The cost of attending rehab varies by program type and program to program and can be an initial barrier to entry. However, the first step for a loved one is determining which facilities are financially within range. If the substance abuser has insurance and is willing to go to rehab, the company should be contacted to learn the details of coverage. Where coverage is unavailable, it will be necessary to take an inventory of available financial resources.
If Resources Are Lacking, There Are Other Options for Getting Addiction Help for a Loved One
- Research the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Visit Healthcare.gov or call our helpline to see if any low-cost insurance programs or government-subsidized care is available.
- Work with the rehab facility. Some centers offer sliding scale fees that consider income level and resources when determining the cost of care.
- Try employer help. Sometimes, an employer may be willing to cover the rehab costs for personal and/or business reasons.
- Seek out a payment plan. Contact the rehab center to learn if a payment installment plan is available (there may be an initial down payment of 20 percent or more). Interest-free (up to a year or more) credit cards may be an option as well.
- Liquidate assets. It is most advisable to consult with a financial planner or tax professional about the implications. Still, after assets are sold, funding options include private loans, borrowing from a retirement plan, and/or using credit cards.
Once the financial means to cover rehab are secured, most individuals and/or their loved ones find the admissions process welcoming. Contact those rehab centers you’re most interested in to learn their availability, admissions services, and policies upfront.
Role of Family in Rehab
Family members and loved ones will find that the rehab process welcomes their presence (after a certain period of time), input, and feedback. Rehab maintains clients’ privacy and confidentiality, but it is not a closed process. Substance abusers also benefit from family involvement; most of those struggling with addiction seek rehab treatment because of their loved ones’ support and encouragement.
Family involvement is not limited to the treatment center experience. Family members are strongly encouraged to attend local Al-Anon and Nar-Anon support group meetings to better understand addiction and its impact on their lives.
After rehab, the individual needs to follow a good aftercare treatment plan. This could include going to AA or NA meetings. He should also carve out a new life path that does not include former people, places, and things that once stimulated drug use. Part of this process requires the recovering person to be accountable for himself. Family members must learn the vital difference between being supportive and being an enabler.
Family members can benefit from both formal and informal guidance through the post-rehab process. They can find such assistance through group meetings, speaking with a counselor, or reading relevant self-help literature. Helping a loved one through recovery is a marathon, not a short race. Dedicating time and energy to staying physically and mentally healthy is one of the best things loved ones can do for themselves and the recovering substance abuser.
Contact Michael's House Today
We have professional admissions coordinators who will gladly answer your questions regarding treatment. We can even tell you what specific forms of treatment are covered by your insurance. Make the choice to get addiction help for a loved one by calling our helpline at 760.548.4032.
