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Determining when you’re ready to pursue rehabilitation for a substance or alcohol use disorder is a major step toward recovery. But while you may have reached some clarity on the situation, those in your life may still need to process your decision to seek help. Having these conversations can be difficult, but the end goal of sobriety and personal health is well worth the effort. To help you navigate this important step, here are a few guidelines to follow when informing loved ones of your plans for rehab.

5 Tips for Discussing Rehab Plans With Loved Ones

1. Set an Appropriate Time

It may never seem like the ideal time to talk about substance use or alcoholism, but some moments are better than others. To ensure your friends and family get the message clearly, schedule a time in a stress-free, neutral environment to talk. You shouldn’t be distracted by other events or emotions.

2. Know Your Intention

When you unveil your plans, your loved ones may express different concerns or wishes for you. While it’s important to respect their opinions, it’s also important to remember your purpose for the conversation. To avoid getting bogged down in complicated details, focus on a few factors that are most important to you, such as why you want to enter recovery and why you need to go now. 

3. Prepare Your Thoughts

recoveryNerves can make it difficult to share everything that’s on your mind, so it can help to have a written guide available ahead of time. To make sure all your thoughts are covered, list a few bullet points of key ideas you want to express or write a letter you can read to everyone.

4. Expect Various Reactions

Everyone reacts to these matters differently, especially if they are learning about substance use or alcohol use for the first time. For example, some may be incredibly sad or scared, while others may feel angry. 

Act with empathy and let them know that you recognize their feelings but do not antagonize them further. If extreme emotions persist, consider inviting your family members into a group counseling session to work through these challenges.

5. Ask For Support

Although entering a recovery program is something you must decide for yourself, it’s not something you have to do alone. Letting your friends and family know that you need their support can help them become more engaged with the process.

 

If you’re seeking substance use services in Davidson County, Daymark Recovery Services is here to guide you through every step. Staffed by trained specialists, this Lexington, NC, treatment center will provide physical and mental health support to examine the patterns behind substance and alcohol use and outline workable plans for sobriety. Understanding that every client is different, this outpatient treatment center offers many specialized resources, including psychosocial support, family counseling, adolescent services, and outpatient treatment. For more information on these services, visit this treatment center online or call a compassionate team member at (336) 242-2450.

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