Supporting a Loved One Through Rehab: Do’s and Don’ts.

Supporting someone in Rehab can be tough. Going into treatment is a very bold step. It can take years for someone to realise that they need help whereas, for others, they know they need to go into treatment but don’t want to face their fears.

Alcohol and drugs numb emotional pain and the thought of having to face up to things without the cloud of addiction can be an incredible barrier to getting help. Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians with decades of experience of working in rehab centres all over the UK and abroad. If you need to find a Residential Rehab Centre UK, want Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice call for free, confidential and impartial help.

Supporting someone in rehab

For a relative, partner, friend, colleague or even employer, seeing someone deal with addiction, often associated with poor mental health, can also be incredibly difficult. Rehab is not just about the person getting into recovery, but also about those supporting them. 

The Rehab Pathway 

In the UK, a GP referral is not necessary. Our clinicians here at Find Me a Rehab will provide a referral for you, without charge. Information regarding your medical history and medication may be required from your GP, depending on your circumstances, but this can be obtained without revealing as to why you want your information. However, we would always recommend involving your GP. 

Supporting someone in rehab

An assessment is then required by the centre you want to go to. This is usually by phone or video conferencing. Following this assessment, a decision is made by the rehab centre as to whether they can provide a safe and effective treatment plan. For example, some centres do not provide treatment for Heroin addiction. 

Detox: It is a common misconception that everyone who goes into rehab needs a detox. While some clients will need a medically managed detox from alcohol/drugs most do not or simply require some supportive medication for a few days. Where a detox is required the centre will indicate a rough timescale. With regards to alcohol, this would be a minimum of a week. For opioids, at least three to four weeks and for benzodiazepines, possibly longer. Detox is an essential element of a treatment plan but not the whole process in itself. 

Supporting someone in rehab

Therapy: A compulsory element of any treatment plan in rehab. All centres operate on a group therapy model, with some centres offering a weekly individual session for those staying more than a week. Attendance is at the core of the treatment agreement. As soon as someone is physically able to participate they will be expected to do so. For some clients it may be a day or two before they are able to take part in groups due to withdrawals.

While medically managed treatment plans provide for withdrawal symptoms, it is not an exact science and there may be a rough couple of days at the start. As for whether a centre uses a 12 step approach or an alternative, it really doesn’t matter. There are those who say the 12 steps don’t work: Tell that to the millions of people who are sober today because of the programme. However, there are alternatives if you want them. The most important thing is to get help, regardless of the therapeutic approach. 

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians with decades of experience of working in rehab centres all over the UK and abroad. If you need to find a Residential Rehab Centre UK, want Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice call for free, confidential and impartial help.

Supporting someone in rehab

Aftercare: Absolutely essential! This element of the treatment plan can not be underestimated. Those who participate in groups after they complete residential treatment are those who are more likely to maintain abstinence and sobriety. 

Some myths:

• Private treatment is expensive: No! While there are luxury high end centres that cost upwards of £30,000 a month so there are excellent centres which provide precisely the same high levels of care for £7,500 a month. All centres are inspected and monitored by the Care Quality Commission so you can be assured you are in good hands. 

• Rehab is only for people in active addiction: No! Many people, knowing that they are heading for a relapse, will go into treatment as a preventative measure. 

• You only need rehab if you have had withdrawal seizure or inject drugs: No! The earlier treatment is sought the better the outcomes. 

Practical and Emotional Ways to Support 

Meaning well is good: Offering appropriate, informed assistance is even better. Everyone caught up in the madness of addiction experiences different emotions but there are some common themes. Recovery is not an easy option: It is hard work. Try not to make assumptions as to why someone is using and/or relapsing. Try and establish a channel of communication but remember: You can’t force someone to accept help. If you know what might trigger a relapse you might be able to help. If they allow you, find out about their treatment plan so you can reinforce positive behaviors. 

One of the most important aspects is to try not to be judgmental. Even those who are in recovery themselves can sometimes over identify with someone needing admission. Addiction is a very serious illness, and it can be very instinctive to try and take over and try and “fix” the person: You can’t and are likely to push them away. Getting someone into rehab is not about reducing the anxiety of loved ones, it is about the user getting into recovery. Giving the person a sense of independence will make all the difference later. Help them to take responsibility for their choices and regain control.  

Supporting someone in rehab

Being supportive is crucial. Being a crutch for the person to lean on will only perpetuate their addiction. Give them clear messages that you believe in their determination to recover.  

What rehab is not:  

• An instant repair: Residential rehab is an essential element of recovery, for some with severe dependency it is lifesaving, but it is part of a lifelong trajectory of recovery.  

• Somewhere to send someone to give you peace of mind: While supporting someone caught up in addiction is stressful the emphasis has to be on the person going for treatment.  

• Don’t make promises you cannot keep or boundaries you won’t stick to: Neither will help.  

• Don’t judge the person from your own cultural/religious viewpoint: Everyone is an individual.  

• Don’t override professional expertise with internet advice or personal experience. There is no doubt you want to help and have the best intentions, but interrupting treatment is a sure way to relapse.  

The rough with the smooth 

The trajectory of recovery is more of a Cobbold road with potholes than a freshly tarmacked one. There will be flashpoints along the way: These are to be expected. If you view these as checkpoints, not failures, then recovery becomes more possible.  

Relapse 

People relapse: It is a fact of life. It is not a sign of failure but an indication that different strategies are needed and/or some triggers were not identified in treatment. It is natural to be disappointed in the person, even to be angry or even panic: Please don’t. If you listen without being judgmental, offer reassurance and focus on a way forward it is more likely that the person will get back on track.  

Look  after yourself 

Sounds obvious but often forgotten. If you run yourself into the ground, you cannot help someone caught up in addiction. Do not be afraid to reach out for support. There are support groups for those supporting someone in treatment. If need be, speak to your GP and/or a helpline. The most important aspect is to set boundaries: For example, telling the person you are supporting when you are available and/or during what periods you can take calls.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians with decades of experience of working in rehab centres all over the UK and abroad. If you need to find a Residential Rehab Centre UK, want Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice call for free, confidential and impartial help.

Recent Posts