How to Help an Addict Who Doesn’t Want Help

supporting a loved one

When you have a friend or family member with addiction, it’s only natural to want them to be healthy again. The way to achieve this is with an Arizona treatment center. By participating in a program of this sort, your loved one can understand their motivations for using drugs and alcohol and develop healthier ways to cope. They’ll also have access to a safe, supportive environment with lots of sober peers. 

But what happens when your loved one refuses to get help? This is more common than not, as addicts are often in denial. And while you surely have good intentions for your loved one, pushing them into an Arizona rehab can end up doing more harm than good. Fortunately, there are still things you can do to promote sobriety without pushing your loved one away. 

Here are some tips for helping an addict who doesn’t want help. 

Educate Yourself on Addiction 

Before you have any conversations about addiction or treatment, take some time to educate yourself on addiction. The more you know, the more you can approach the conversation with confidence. Educating yourself also helps you to be more compassionate and understanding to your loved one’s struggles. The more you keep this tone, the better they will respond to you. 

Offer Your Support 

Avoid sounding judgmental or condescending when talking to your loved one. Your goal is to let them know that you are here for them. You can love them and support them without enabling their addiction. Addicts are very good at manipulating others to get what they want, so stay strong. A good friend or family member supports recovery – not continued substance use. 

Follow Through with Consequences

This is a tough one, and you may benefit from outside support. But, it’s important to follow through with consequences if your loved one chooses not to get help. You do not have to let their choices ruin your life. 

An important part of this is stopping any enabling behaviors. Often, people don’t realize that what they’re doing is allowing the addiction to continue. Now is the time to enforce boundaries and follow through with consequences. For example, you should stop: 

  • Providing excuses for your loved one
  • Paying bills, rent, groceries, etc. for your loved one
  • Giving money to your loved one
  • Keeping drugs and alcohol in the home 
  • Covering up addictive behaviors 
  • Allowing the person to live rent-free in your home 
  • Doing the work for them 
  • Bailing them out of stressful situations 

Talk to Arizona Rehab Centers 

Another important step is to talk to rehab centers in your area. Wolf Creek Recovery has an admissions team that is available every day. Many of our staff members are in recovery, so we have a unique understanding of addiction. We can answer your questions and provide you with information. Sometimes, talking to a drug rehab in Arizona can help you feel less alone and more hopeful for the future. 

Get Help for Yourself

Finally, make sure you’re taking care of yourself. You need your energy to support your loved one’s journey. Look for Al-Anon meetings and support groups in your area. You can learn a lot from others who are going through or have gone through your situation. Talking with others can also help you develop realistic expectations, as well as stop enabling behaviors. 

If you have a friend or relative who is in need of drug rehab in Prescott AZ, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today. While you may not be able to force your loved one into treatment, there are many things you can do to make this choice easier for them.