Signs Your Loved One May Need Long-term Addiction Treatment

When your loved one is battling addiction, you may not know initially. Early substance misuse can be easily overlooked, especially if you are not routinely around your family members or friends.

But as addiction progresses and the misuse of substances turns into actual abuse and addiction, the signs do become more apparent. As you begin to notice these signs, you may begin to wonder – does my loved one need long-term addiction treatment?

What are the signs of addiction?

When someone you know well begins to struggle with substance misuse, you are likely to notice the habit changes, behavioral changes and possibly even changes in appearance that oftentimes coincide with addiction. These can be alarming to notice. 

But remember, if you see these signs, you can have a healthy conversation with your loved one and work with them to find the right treatment center to help address their needs. 

Signs that your loved one may be battling an addiction may include: 

• They have vocalized an inappropriate relationship with substances;
• They have tried to stop on their own, but have failed;
• Physical signs including extreme weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, dental disease, unhealthy skin and other physical complaints/ailments are present;
• There is an overall withdrawal from previously enjoyed commitments, including failure to attend social events or obligations;
• Financial difficulties for no apparent reason are expressed;
• They struggle to remain present at work or school, or frequently show up late; 
• They lack of commitment to responsibilities;
• Changes in behavior, including increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideations, have become apparent. 

Not everyone who displays these symptoms is guaranteed to have a substance use disorder. But it is important to note the appearance of many of these symptoms: your loved one may need your help without ever asking for it. 

Does my loved one need long-term treatment?

Just because an addiction is present does not mean your loved one needs to immediately seek long-term treatment options. However, some cases may warrant longer treatment plans. These include:

• If your loved one has a living environment that is not conducive to recovery and long-term treatment offers a safer, more secure and supportive environment in which to live temporarily;
• Short-term treatment has not been effective;
• Addiction has been an ongoing concern for several years and the addiction is significantly reducing their quality of life;
• Your loved one wants more time to adjust to the lifestyle of recovery;
• There is a desire to reduce the risk of relapse through long-term treatment. 

These are just a few of the reasons your loved one may be open to the option of long-term treatment.

How do I talk to my family members about pursuing treatment? 

When you notice the signs of addiction manifesting in the life of your loved one, it can feel incredibly daunting to talk to them about their habits and your concern for their wellbeing. But it is important to remember that you may be one of the only ones who has the ability to speak with them since you know them best and care for them deeply. 

But how to do it? How do you talk to them about the signs you see without exacerbating the situation?

We have a few suggestions: 

• Timing is everything – Make sure there is a time and a place set aside in which you can talk with your loved one about the signs you have been noticing; avoid catching them off guard and confronting them at an inappropriate time – this could lead to increased defensiveness and discomfort;
• Use “I” statements – If you talk about how you have noticed changes and are feeling concerned, it is likely to translate better than if you use statements that may come across as more accusatory, such as “You have been different,” or “You aren’t the same,” etc;
• Offer them support – Your loved one might need some help reaching out to the treatment center, going to their first meeting or making initial changes in their life; you might offer support by driving them to their first session or helping them research treatment facilities in your area;
• Set healthy boundaries—It is not your job to change your loved one—only they can do that for themselves. So make sure you set boundaries of what you will and will not do in this process, communicate these boundaries to them, and then uphold them so you can feel freedom during the entire process. 

Remember, it may take a few conversations with your loved one for them to desire treatment. Persevere with them and remind them that you love them, you are there for them, and you only want what is best for them.

Looking for long-term recovery programs?

If you or a loved one need a long-term addiction treatment program, Freedom Detox is here to help. With addiction detox options, holistic recovery programs, and long-term plans for addiction recovery, you are sure to find a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. 

To get started today, contact Freedom Detox at 800-475-2312 or online anytime to learn more.