When is it Time to Talk Rehab with a Family Member?

You might have noticed a family member drinking more than usual or losing a lot of weight because they don't eat. You might even know of a relative who is using drugs or is taking prescription pain relievers a little too often. Talking to a loved one about going to a rehab center is a very touchy subject. Most people who are addicted to something or are leading an unhealthy lifestyle might even deny that they have a problem, which makes talking to them all the more difficult. Whether a person has a drinking problem, eating disorder or drug issue, speaking with them in a gentle manner can help urge them to seek help.

Knowing when to talk to a relative about going to rehab is really the big question. Just because someone was just prescribed pain relievers does not mean that they are addicted to them. The same theory can be applied to someone who goes out every once in a while to a bar to drink not having a drinking problem. The best way to know when to talk to a family member about getting help for an addiction is by knowing that relative very well. You need to know when something is becoming more than just a habit or hobby.

If you notice that your relative is starting to spend more time indulging in their addiction and that it is getting in the way of their normal functioning, this is a red flag for them to seek help. An addiction can be harmful to someone's health and to their emotional well-being, so it is essential that you do speak with them before their problem gets worse. Try not to talk with a relative about having a problem if you don't know them very well or what they do on a daily basis. Just because you see them going to a bar for a drink does not mean that they are an alcoholic.

Knowing your relative well and knowing the extent of their addiction is key when understanding how and when to talk to them about going to a rehabilitation center. Be as gentle and sympathetic about the issue as possible and expect the person to deny that they have a problem. Discussing rehab options with a family member is a lot more productive than just telling someone that they need to get help and check themselves into rehab right away. Your loved one deserves good health and positive emotional well-being, but you cannot provide this to them if you are too blunt about their problems.

Author Bio: Annette Hazard wrote this along with Stanley Martinson. Annette is currently promoting http://www.freedomdrugrehab.com/therapeutic-training-routines-course/. She often writes about family issues and is a mother of one.