So you know it’s time to get help for addiction. But it can be hard to know what to do, who to turn to, and what you may need to get started. Here’s a simple guide for anyone navigating the first steps of getting help for addiction, whether for yourself or a loved one.
How to Get Help for Addiction For Yourself
You may feel like you’re in the spotlight now, but you don’t have to figure out treatment on your own. Here are some ways to start getting help for addiction.
Explore your resources
You may have a lot of questions when you start considering addiction treatment.
- How will you do treatment sessions around your work schedule?
- What’s available in your area?
- What treatments work the best for your issues?
Gather information and explore help for addiction with someone you trust. Many types of effective addiction treatments are available, often closer to home than you might expect.
Talk to an expert
Doing research and making phone calls is a great start, but pull in an expert to get the bigger picture. Call someone from a local treatment center and have them walk you through treatment options. They can also help you address any struggles you’re having as you prepare for treatment.
Get an assessment
Go a step further than expert advice by getting a full addiction assessment. An addiction specialist can evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and recommend specific treatments to fit your needs.
How to Get Help for Addiction For Your Family Member
You don’t have to stand by if you see a loved one struggling with substance use. Here’s how to get help for addiction for your family member.
Talk to your loved one
Your loved one may feel defensive about their substance use and believe they can handle their own life. After everything you’ve been through with their addiction, you may feel angry, resentful and hurt. But for this important conversation, put your emotional pain aside and make your loved one’s needs the priority. Be patient, speak in a caring tone, and bring a calming presence to the moment. They’re more likely to accept your help when you connect in a loving way.
Offer hands-on help
Starting addiction treatment can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some ways to help them in their first steps toward recovery.
Call treatment centers
Offer to make calls and keep everything organized, so it’s easier for your loved one to make their decision.
Explore a variety of options
You may need to help your loved one understand the best starting point for treatment. Here are some options to consider:
- Detox services
- Depending on the substance, your loved one may need to go through detox before they can safely begin treatment.
- Different levels of care
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are effective and don’t require overnight stays.
- Residential rehab and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) can help people with more needs.
- Medication
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is an effective option that may be used with other treatments.
Offer to provide transportation
Ease your loved one’s mind about transportation by offering to drive them to sessions or assist them with public transit.
Educate yourself on addiction and the recovery process
The more you learn about addiction and recovery, the more compassion and understanding you can offer your loved one when they need it most.
Get Help for Addiction with Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
When you know you need help for addiction, outpatient substance abuse treatment is a great place to start. It’s convenient, effective, and there’s likely a program in your local area. Take your first steps of recovery with us. We can help you walk the path. Contact the P.A.T.H. program at 1-888-622-7809.