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Approaching delicate conversations can be downright frightening, especially when it comes to addiction.
If you’ve been so fortunate that your loved one is getting the help they need in rehab, you want to express your love, encouragement, and support. You may be afraid that saying the wrong thing could potentially diminish their progress.
Or maybe you’re at the beginning stages of charting conversations with your loved one to encourage them to seek help in rehab. Choosing your words carefully can be just as terrifying.
It’s never been more important to be kind and caring with your words. Keep reading to find inspiration and conversation starters if you don’t know what to say to someone in drug rehab.
It can be challenging to know what to say to someone in drug rehab for the same reasons it can be difficult knowing what to say to someone going through any tough experience. You care deeply, and you fear saying the “wrong” thing.
If your loved one is in rehab and you’ve never experienced what they are dealing with, you may not know exactly what to say. You want to be loving, but you also want to hold them accountable.
Addiction treatment for substance abuse can bring about a turbulent storm of emotions. Those seeking help may grapple with fear of relapse, shame, uncertainty, worry about the future, and doubt in their ability to overcome addiction. Coupled with real or perceived outside pressure, supportive communication can deeply impact how well they do.
According to research, positive reinforcement can help improve self-esteem and enhance motivation during recovery. Your supportive words can encourage and reassure at the right time, helping your loved one overcome a swell of emotions.
It’s also important to appreciate that despite these difficulties, they will have moments of self-discovery and growth. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the inspiring breakthroughs in their journey toward recovery and transformation.
Do you have a loved one who is battling substance use disorder? You’re not alone. Approximately 54.2 million Americans aged 12 and older struggled with substance abuse in 2023, but only 23% of them received the treatment they needed.
At New Growth Recovery in Springfield, MA, we are committed to providing the highest quality of treatment in a supportive, welcoming environment where every patient feels valued, understood, and motivated throughout their recovery journey. If you are unsure how to approach your loved one, call now to speak to our compassionate team members. We are here to walk with you. No judgment, just support.
If words aren’t your strong suit or you need sample phrases for inspiration, we’ve compiled a few examples below to help. Feel free to use these phrases verbatim or as a starting point for opening a conversation — just be sure to keep the sentiment positive and encouraging.
This can be an incredibly encouraging statement for anyone, especially for someone in rehab who’s likely heard many negative comments about their past failures. It can be hard to face how disappointing their behavior was to the ones they loved the most. They might be battling crippling shame over their actions.
Telling your loved one you’re proud of them acknowledges the hard work they are putting in and recognizes their decision to get help and stay sober.
Someone in rehab might be worried about other people, situations, or responsibilities they may have left behind.
For example, if they’ve decided to go into inpatient rehab or extended-day treatment:
Thoughts like this can be distracting and steer focus away from recovery. Addiction may be associated with very selfish behaviors, but some people may have started using as a way to avoid facing themselves. They may have a hard time focusing on themselves and their recovery now.
Remind them this precious time is a gift and to use it wisely. Rehab is where your loved one will grow into a better version of themselves.
Seeking help for addiction takes an enormous amount of courage.
Entering any type of rehab program can be scary. Your loved one is likely experiencing an intimidating shift in most aspects of their everyday life, and seeking help for addiction forces them to face the feelings and life-altering events that drove them to substance abuse in the first place.
It isn’t uncommon for people in rehab to feel estranged from their friends or family. This could be because of events or behaviors related to the addiction or from the limited contact during the first few weeks of rehab.
Telling your loved one, “I’m here for you, you’re not alone,” may be the most powerful words you can say.
It’s not always easy to know what a person in rehab needs, and sometimes it’s best to ask straight out.
Your loved one may have requests you haven’t thought of, like watering the plants or caring for their pet. On the other hand, they may not know exactly what they need. Either way, it feels good to know someone is there to help when they have a request.
Sometimes, not knowing what to say to someone in drug rehab can lead to not saying anything at all. However, avoiding contact at all with someone you care about because you don’t know what to say while they’re in drug rehab can send the opposite of the message you want to convey.
To help, here are a few examples of what not to say to someone in drug rehab:
Also, try to avoid conversations involving drug or alcohol use, since these stories can trigger cravings or negative emotions. Judgment or criticism can damage self-esteem and progress in rehab, so keep any expectations to yourself. Try not to put pressure or stress on them, including any physical expectations like weight or looks, which can cause emotional distress.
The best way to support someone going to rehab is to communicate with compassion and love. Remember to be encouraging and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. If you know of a few practical examples of things they may not have thought about, feel free to ask if they have it covered.
Therapy sessions can be intimidating. Some rehab programs offer a variety of therapy practices as a part of recovery, including family or group therapy. Participating in family therapy sessions and support groups can show you care and want to be a part of their healing journey.
Additionally, attending therapy sessions can strengthen your relationship by helping you better understand them and the recovery process.
A rehab care package can let someone know you’re thinking of them and wish them the best. You might include items like:
It’s important to acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small. Completing a week of rehab might mean just as much to your loved one as achieving a major recovery milestone.
Celebrations don’t need to be over the top. Recovery medallions or heartfelt notes can also serve as daily reminders of your love and support.
Whether you’re approaching your loved one for the first or fiftieth time about their substance use disorder, it is always a sensitive subject for everyone involved. Understandably, knowing what to say is a big concern for the friends and family of someone in drug rehab.
At New Growth Recovery, we are dedicated to helping individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. Regardless of the substance your loved one is struggling with, our compassionate team in Springfield is here to guide you every step of the way.
We approach every patient with empathy, kindness, and respect. Acting with honesty and transparency, New Growth Recovery focuses on building trust with our patients, their families, and the community. We work as a unified team, valuing the collaboration of our staff, the patient, and their family to deliver the best care.
Call New Growth Recovery today to learn more about how we can help support your loved one’s path to healing.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
