Under certain circumstances, a person with a substance abuse problem can be legally forced into rehab, but not in every situation. They must be a danger to themselves or to others. In cases where mental health is not in question, they must decide to go to rehab on their own or they will not have what it takes to succeed. It is a very difficult step to take, especially when suffering withdrawals and thinking about how life will drastically change. Loved ones know that it can change for the better, but the addict knows how rough it will be. Addiction is mental as well as physical. For long term success, they have to walk away from harmful substances, and they have to stop associating with those that continue to use chemicals and abuse their bodies.
Empty Promises and a Changing Mind
A person very close to me is currently struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. They have expressed a desire to change, but they have not been able to decide what to do. They have told others what they want to hear, but they have gone back and forth. First they said they would go, and everyone was convinced that they would. As the evening progressed, they had changed their mind. We had to create a rock bottom situation to get this person to decide to go to rehab.
Where is Rock Bottom?
Rock bottom is different for everyone. For some it is the loss of family members, jobs and friends. For others it is the loss of a place to call home. In the worst possible cases, rock bottom is death. However, with life there is hope. We are not willing to give up.
Figure out what rock bottom is for the person that cannot decide whether or not to go to rehab. If the person has not reached his or her lowest point, take the necessary steps to send them there. It will not be easy, but it is essential when trying to make them decide to go to rehab and live a clean life. Each day can be better than the day before, and life can be wonderful.
Create a Rock Bottom Situation to Help the Addict Decide
The person I am trying to help has lost homes and jobs because of their addiction to drugs and alcohol, but the losses were not enough. The addiction has been stronger than their desire to change, but not as strong the love of family and friends. As hard as it was, we had to force the addict to decide on rehab. Absolutely no one would allow him back into their home if he was not completely clean and sober, and as a result he would have no where to go. We have him no other choice but to decide to go to rehab. The future remains to be seen.
Source: Personal Experience
