Watching your loved one struggle day-to-day with addiction is devastating. Many family members recognize the signs of addiction and want to help but lack any real way to make their loved one get into treatment. When a simple conversation fails, and you’re unsure what will help, recognize that you’re not alone.

Many family members can see how “easy” the solution to addiction is. Just stop drinking. Just go to therapy. Yet, addiction is much more complex than this. If you want to help your loved one, you have to give them the tools to overcome the common barriers holding them back.

Consider the following common reasons why people don’t go to addiction treatment and how you can help motivate someone to get the care they need.

Denial of a Need for Treatment

“I can stop if and when I want to.” This is a very common statement, and yet the reality is that people who are addicted have little control over their ability to stop using substances. That’s due to the change that occurs in the brain when a person develops dependency and addiction. To stop, they need medical care.

To help your loved one overcome this barrier to getting treatment, talk to them about the facts:

• What are you noticing that they are doing that is different and problematic?
• Have they tried to stop and failed to do so? Point that out.
• Discuss the science behind addiction. Let them see why it’s not their fault nor a sign of weakness that they cannot just stop.

Lack of Financial Support

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment can be expensive. Some people believe they cannot afford care. However, the reality is that without care, they could lose their job, their ability to work, and even their life. That “cost” is much higher.

Help your loved one overcome the financial barriers to addiction treatment:

• Most modern health insurance plans cover addiction treatment. Learn what type of coverage is available.
• If you do not have insurance for drug addiction treatment, consider Medicaid. Those who are low-income may qualify for this government-funded program.
• Reach out to the treatment center directly to find out what the cost is. Then, consider loans, borrowing from family, or seeking financial aid through local programs.

Fear of Leaving Responsibilities Behind

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment often requires a person to leave home for 30-day care or longer. Many people worry about how they will make that happen when they have so many responsibilities at home, work, and/or school.

You can help your loved one overcome this barrier to addiction in several ways:

• Educate them about the Family Medical Leave Act, which applies to most employers and protects an employee’s position for up to 12 weeks per year while they seek treatment. That means their job is safe, and it’s likely their boss already knows they have a problem.
• Help them to find a solution for caring for their children. Could you help? Is there a grandparent or another party that could?
• Provide them with a fundraising opportunity to help cover the cost of rent or mortgage payments and other costs they have while they step into treatment. Give them the support they need to make getting care an option.

What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Family Member

There are often many factors that limit a person’s ability and willingness to get the treatment they need. You cannot fix them all, and it’s not your responsibility to do so. However, what you do have is the ability to support and guide.

• Ask your loved one what they need to make it possible for them to get care.
• Discuss with your loved one why you believe this is so important.
• Provide them with the confidence, reassurance, and guidance they need, and let them know you’ll be there for them.

Addiction treatment is not an easy decision, but it can be a life-saving one. When you understand the science behind addiction and treatment, it’s clear that this is a life-threatening battle like any other serious disease that warrants support from family and friends.Let Victory Addiction Recovery Center in Lafayette, LA, help you. Reach out to our team today to discuss your specific loved one’s needs. Let us provide the tools to help you get the care you need now

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