Drug and alcohol addiction are far-reaching and widespread issues. In this day and age, nearly every individual and family across America has been impacted by substance use in some way. In 2021 it was reported (1) 61.2 million Americans over the age of 12 used drugs within the past year. With increasing rates of substance use and dependence, many are searching for ways to help loved ones who are personally battling addiction. One of the most effective ways to address this life-controlling problem is by helping your loved one enter into a drug and alcohol treatment program. There are, however, a few important steps to consider when journeying through this process.
An immediate course of action you can take is to contact Guardian Recovery Network. Our intake coordinators are standing by right now to provide information and answer any questions you may have about the treatment process. We know this can be a difficult decision to make, and we are committed to making this process as easy as possible so that you or your loved one can get the help that they need.

How to Spot Drug Abuse in a Loved One’s Behavior

Addiction is described by Alcoholics Anonymous as “cunning, baffling, and powerful.” Many loved ones of those with substance use disorders will agree with this assessment reporting that it begins to negatively affect the entire life (2) of those who fall victim to its power. Three of the primary ways that drug use affects a person’s life that may be visible to loved ones include:

• Social Relationships — One of the first symptoms that may arise pointing to a substance use disorder is the impact that it has on the user’s social relationships. Many who begin to experience a substance use disorder will become withdrawn from friends or family. This is especially noticeable when the person previously was very social or outgoing.
• Psychological Differences — Changes in a person’s personality and cognitive ability may also be a sign that loved ones notice. As addiction progresses, it will begin to negatively impact the user’s mood and overall demeanor.

Biological Changes — The third, and possibly most notable, are the changes in your loved one’s physical appearance. Weight loss, bags under the eyes, and visible scabs or scars are all potential warning signs to a loved one that a substance use disorder is manifesting behind the scenes.

Conveying the Need for Treatment to a Loved One

One of the most crucial steps in beginning the process of helping a loved one receive treatment is the way that this message is conveyed. Like many, those who are experiencing the symptoms of a substance use disorder may be embarrassed or ashamed of their current situation. Conveying the message of care and support without judgment is of vital importance if the desired effect is to help your loved one receive the help that they are in need of.

Finding Addiction Treatment and Therapy Options

Thankfully, these days, finding quality substance use treatment options is easier than ever. The online presence of most treatment facilities makes all the necessary details available so that you are able to make a well informed decision for your loved one. A simple online search will yield a multitude of results that can become overwhelming quickly.
Thankfully, Guardian Recovery Network makes the process of finding a substance use treatment facility near you as simple as a single phone call to one of our intake coordinators. Call today and let our trained team of professionals locate the most appropriate option for your loved one’s situation.

Selecting the Most Suitable Addiction Treatment Program

When trying to make the best decision possible for your loved one, the details concerning each program and decisions to consider can seem like a never ending list. There are, however, a few major points to consider that will be pivotal when considering treatment options. These include:

• State/Federal Certification (3)
• Presence of trained and certified medical and clinical staff
• Length of stay
• Location
• Aftercare options
• Costs associated

Overcoming Treatment Obstacles

One of the first issues to address is understanding that there may be obstacles in the way of your loved one beginning their substance use treatment journey. They may be initially resistant to the idea of undergoing substance use treatment, and that is ok. Many people are. Here are a few common obstacles along with ways to overcome them.

• “That is too long to be away from my job/family/friends/etc,.” — A simple way to address this obstacle would be to discuss how each of those areas will improve with sobriety. Many employers, friends, and family will be proud and supportive of someone that they care about seeking help that they need.
• “That is too far away.” — Statistically, changing locations (4) has a greater overall result on treatment outcomes as opposed to similar environments as the ones in which active addiction was able to begin. There are also a multitude of options available locally regardless of the part of the country in which you live.
• “That is too expensive.” — Most treatment facilities are able to work with insurance providers to cover the cost of treatment. Speaking with intake coordinators and reviewing your options are always beneficial. You may be surprised just how affordable substance use treatment can be.

Helping a Loved One Through the Treatment & Recovery Process

Support from loved ones is extremely helpful to those who are going through the treatment process. Emotions, habits, and ways of thinking are all being discussed daily for the treatment participant often leaving them to feel vulnerable and ashamed of past decisions. A supportive loved one to encourage them to continue with their treatment process is often a welcome conversation for when they are able to contact you throughout their treatment experience.

Questions About Insurance?​

Find out exactly what your plan covers. We make insurance verification fast, easy, and private.

Verify My Insurance

Encouraging Your Loved One & Preventing a Relapse

There are many resources available to the friends and families of someone with a substance use disorder. Educating yourself on the recovery and aftercare process will help offer the strength and support that many will find that they need in early sobriety. Though you cannot do it for them, you will be able to offer an encouraging voice to support their recovery efforts.
When we see those who we love struggling, we want to provide the best care that we can for them. At Guardian Recovery Network we understand this need and have committed ourselves to ensuring that every person who comes through one of our programs receives the highest quality of substance use treatment available. Call today to speak with an intake coordinator to discuss your options and ensure that your loved one has the best chance for long term recovery.

1. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html#:~:text=Drug%20Use%20and%20Substance%20Use,drugs%20in%20the%20past%20year.
2. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health
3. https://www.samhsa.gov/
4. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/n-ssats-national-survey-substance-abuse-treatment-services