How to Help Someone Refusing Alcohol Rehab Treatment

It’s not easy to help someone refusing alcohol rehab treatment. Some people refuse to acknowledge they’re addicted to alcohol or that their alcohol use is beyond their control. Unfortunately, alcohol addiction affects roughly 15 million people in the U.S., but that number doesn’t reflect the people who are touched by these addictions–the family, colleagues, and community members associated with people who are addicted to alcohol. Even though an alcohol use disorder, aka alcohol addiction, is a treatable condition, alcohol-related deaths are among the most preventable causes of death in the country. Many people simply do not want to stop drinking. Others, perhaps, have tried and were unable to. Others are in denial. 

WhiteSands offers alcohol addiction treatment programs that include help for families. We can help family members with our family therapy and substance addiction intervention services. We help family members understand how alcohol addiction develops and what they can do in the event that their loved one won’t enroll in treatment or accept the necessity of substance abuse treatment. 

Our addiction treatment company offers individualized alcohol addiction treatment plans. We combine evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and holistic treatments like mindfulness to support overall well-being. Our treatments target each aspect of substance use disorders in order to help clients move forward on their recovery journey. We offer a full continuum of care to ensure that we can meet all clients wherever they are in their recovery process. If you want to help someone refusing alcohol rehab, WhiteSands can help.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a form of substance addiction. It is a chronic and, generally, progressive condition. Once addicted to alcohol, a person remains addicted to alcohol. The only known way to achieve recovery is with abstinence. To achieve abstinence, people with an alcohol addiction have to effectively manage their triggers to drink and develop strategies for preventing relapse. 

A substance addiction causes physical, mental, and behavioral dependencies. An alcohol addiction literally changes the chemistry of the brain. In that sense, a person will always remain vulnerable to relapse, which means that only refraining from alcohol use can prevent the cycle of abuse from beginning afresh. 

Without treatment, a person who has an alcohol addiction will typically continue to drink even when it threatens their health, relationships, employment, and other important aspects of their life. Substance use disorders are governed by powerful compulsions to abuse the substance of addiction. Often, triggers such as stress or negative emotions are involved in the development of addiction and can perpetuate its continuation. 

Even though alcohol addiction is a chronic condition, a person can learn how to stop drinking and remain sober. Treatment is typically the key to the recovery process. At WhiteSands, we help clients identify the triggers that lead them to abuse alcohol and find effective ways to manage those triggers. With abstinence, clients can improve their health and transform their lives for the better. 

Behavioral Indicators of Alcohol Abuse

When a person becomes addicted to alcohol, there are typically behavioral signs to watch for. For instance, drinking in the morning is a telltale sign of a potential alcohol use disorder. Other behavioral indicators of alcohol abuse include:

• Neglecting responsibilities such as work or school. A person might neglect their chores at home or fail to meet their obligations with family and friends. 
• Showing up intoxicated to places. Often someone who has an alcohol use disorder will drink to the point of intoxication at inappropriate times. 
• Talk about drinking. Someone who has an alcohol addiction might talk about drinking excessively. They may seem preoccupied with drinking.
• Social isolation. A person might begin to drink alone after developing an addiction in order to mask their problem. 
• Inability to cut down drinking: A person with an alcohol addiction may try to cut down their drinking but will be unable to.
• Hiding alcohol or lying about drinking: Often, a person with an alcohol use disorder will try to minimize their drinking by lying about it or hiding alcohol. 
• Reckless Behaviors: Many people who have a substance addiction will engage in erratic or reckless behaviors like drinking while driving or operating equipment. They may have unprotected sex or say or do things they wouldn’t if sober.

Of course, there are also likely to be physical and psychological indicators too. Alcohol addiction impacts the mind and body. In fact, it will lead to the deterioration of mental and physical health over time–or after an acute period of use. Entering an alcohol rehab is the best way to stop this destructive behavior. 

Choosing the Right Moment to Discuss

It’s not easy to convince someone to enter rehab if they are opposed to it. Many people who have developed an alcohol use disorder don’t want to acknowledge it. They may not want to stop drinking because their lifestyle revolves around alcohol use. While it may be challenging to help someone as opposed to refusing alcohol rehab treatment, it can be done. Ideally, it helps to choose the right moment to discuss the individual’s drinking pattern and potential addiction. WhiteSands can help. 

Some people hesitate to discuss someone’s drinking until it’s the last resort. However, why wait if a problem exists? The sooner a person confronts their problem, the sooner they can get help. Speak to a WhiteSands interventionist to get tips for discussing a loved one’s alcohol use disorder. It may be a good idea to stage a formal intervention and enlist the help of other family members or close friends. 

During an intervention or even an informal discussion, it’s best to stick to the facts related to a person’s drinking and to avoid personal attacks. If your loved one feels attacked, they may shut down and refuse to talk. Simply point out what you’ve seen and what you know about addiction. Don’t accept excuses and be prepared to confront the individual’s denials. A professional addiction specialist can help you develop talking points in order to persuade your loved one to at least get an evaluation at an addiction treatment center. 

Engaging Friends and Family in Recovery

Friends and family can help you convince your loved one to seek treatment for their alcohol addiction. Remind each person in your party to be supportive but to stand firm against denials. If you believe your loved one has a drinking problem and can point to serious signs of addiction, it’s for the best that your loved one gets a professional evaluation. 

Also, let your group know about all the options for addiction treatment. They can help persuade your loved one to enroll in a plan that suits their needs. Residential addiction treatment isn’t the path to recovery. There are also outpatient treatment options. Together, your group may be able to persuade your loved one to get help. 

The Long-Term Impact of Seeking Treatment with WhiteSands

With treatment at WhiteSands, people with alcohol addictions can transform their lifestyle to support sober living. Improved health and well-being await those who quit drinking for good. Visit our rehab center to learn more about our addiction treatment programs. Let us help you build a strong recovery foundation designed to support a more rewarding life and future. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.