Do your loved ones support you going to rehab?

Usually, family and loved are grateful you are making  the decision for healing in your life. It is likely no surprise to them that you need rehab, nevertheless, there are sometimes reasons why they might be against you going to rehab. You may need some assistance in the process of how tell your loved ones about going to rehab.

• They tell you you’re not really that bad. (If you are “that bad,” they must be “that bad,” too.)
• If you’re a parent, they might think they can’t get along without you while you’re gone.
• They don’t want anyone to know the family secrets.
• They don’t think you can afford to go to rehab.
• You’ll lose your job if you go to rehab.
• They don’t want you to change. (There could be a million and one reasons for that in itself.)

Make the commitment

It is essential that you get professional help to learn to live sober. If you have been drinking for any length of time, it is likely that  your drinking habits are deeply etched into your daily life and your personality. You will need assistance, but you can make a change as profound as getting sober. You might need detox first, however, detox is not always a requirement.

Make arrangements

Once you have committed to seeking help, make arrangements.  One way to do this is to Contact Serenity Vista. Ensure your immediate family, household, and work obligations will be taken care of. (We expect these family members will be supportive. If not, reach out to us — we can help.) Now it’s time to break the news by using one or more of the following:

• Simply tell your family and those you love you are going to rehab. (Remember, you are not asking them, you are telling them.)
• Assure them that your decision is final – you are going to rehab.
• Expect a variety of responses.
• Stay firm, but don’t engage in blaming or aggressive behaviour.
• Do not engage in a debate with anyone as it is your decision and your life and not a negotiation.
• Practice the “broken-record routine”, which can be stated as:
  • “I need some time away to get my life back on track, and my decision is I am going to rehab.”
  • “This is a decision I am making carefully.”
  • “I have already made arrangements.”
  • “I  will be appreciative of  your support, however I will do what I need to do without it.”

Follow your plan

There is really no need to say anything other than those four statements. Repeat if necessary, because this is your life, no one else’s.

You have made a commitment, made arrangements to follow through with your plan, and now you simply take the action you had committed to. With or without family support, you are taking action to better your life. This is your life.

Ultimately, regardless of whether family supports in the moment or not, remember that “the best gift you can give your loved ones is a healthy YOU!”

Going to rehab will give you a fighting chance to get – and stay – sober. And, ultimately, that is gift to you and to all you love and care about.