How to Get Someone Into Rehab: Guide for Family Members

Having a loved one with a drug or alcohol addiction is a stressful, emotional experience. Making the decision to send a family member to rehab and actually getting them into treatment is incredibly difficult.

However, many people require treatment to enter recovery for drug or alcohol addiction.

What is Addiction?

The first step of recovering from addiction is identifying it. Many people who become addicted to a substance will either be unaware or in denial of their problem.

Addiction is a physical and psychological condition and involves the compulsive use of a substance despite the negative consequences to all aspects of the individual’s life.¹

Deciding to intervene in a person’s drug or alcohol use can be something of a judgment call and may require a second opinion from other loved ones or health professionals.

Addiction treatment centers will prepare for new arrivals in order to take them in as soon as they accept treatment. However, this means that anyone looking to send a reluctant family member to rehab will require some planning and potentially uncomfortable conversations.

How to Get Someone Into Rehab 

Getting someone into rehab will generally start with a series of conversations. When speaking to a loved one about their substance use and recommending treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends:²

• Choosing the right setting. A private area free from distractions is a good place to broach the subject.
• Being direct with your feelings and concerns.
• Actively listening to what they have to say. Refrain from passing judgement when they express themselves.
• Offering your assistance and assuring them that recovery is possible.
• Being patient. It’s unlikely that one conversation will get them into treatment or cause a complete change in their behavior.

The Admissions Process

The rehab admissions process may vary by treatment center and whether or not your loved one is attending inpatient or outpatient rehab.

At AAC, the admissions process begins with a confidential call to one of our admissions navigators, who can answer any questions and guide you through the process.

When you call, our admissions navigators will:

1. Listen to your story to better understand the situation you and your loved one are facing.
2. Verify your insurance and discuss payment options.
3. Outline a treatment plan based on your loved one’s individual needs.
4. Help you coordinate travel arrangements (for detox or a residential treatment program).

How to Find the Right Rehab Program?

Addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all; what works for one person may not work for another. Some things to consider when choosing a rehab center include the severity of the problem, which substance(s) the person is addicted to, the individual’s or family’s financial situation, proximity to the home and transportation centers, and many other factors.³

It may be helpful to make this decision with input from an addiction specialist or medical professional.

Treatment can be provided in various levels of care, including:³

• Medical detox. Not all patients need detox; however, it can help many people with moderate to severe addictions to certain substances safely go through withdrawal. After completing detox, most patients need continued treatment to maintain long-term recovery.
• Inpatient or residential rehab, in which patients live at the facility while undergoing treatment.
• Outpatient treatment. Patients that have safe and stable living environments can often benefit from outpatient treatment. There are varying levels of outpatient care, but all allow the patient to continue living at home during treatment.

It’s important to find a treatment center that utilizes research-backed approaches. Many patients benefit from alternative or holistic therapies; however, they should be used in conjunction with evidence-based forms of treatment such as:

• Behavioral therapy.
• Medications for addiction treatment.
• Case management.
• Peer support groups.
• Post-treatment planning and guidance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) facilities provide evidence-based treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders within various levels of care. Admissions navigators can answer your questions about care at our facilities across the United States and help your loved one enter treatment today. You can also verify insurance benefits online.

Frequently Asked Questions