How to Get a Loved One Into Rehab: A Guide for Families Facing Substance Abuse

Learning how to get a loved one into rehab involves understanding your options, building an intervention plan, and sometimes navigating involuntary commitment laws. At Hillside Detox, we guide families through every step, from recognizing warning signs to selecting the right rehab program or addiction treatment center.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

Before families can help get someone into rehab, it’s important to recognize the early signs of a substance use disorder. Addiction impacts every part of a person’s life, and identifying these red flags early can make it easier to connect a loved one with the right treatment program.

Common Warning Signs

Some of the most frequent indicators of a developing substance abuse problem include:

• Sudden changes in mood or behavior that seem out of character.
• Declining performance at work or school, including frequent absences or poor grades.
• Neglecting basic needs such as hygiene, sleep, or nutrition.
• Withdrawing from friends and family, isolating themselves from loved ones.
• Legal troubles, which may include involvement with the criminal justice system or even facing a drug court mandate.
• Physical health decline caused by ongoing drug addiction or alcohol addiction.

When Mental Illness and Substance Use Overlap

Many people living with a substance use disorder are also struggling with mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. When these conditions occur together, the symptoms often reinforce one another, making professional help essential. Recognizing when your loved one may be using substances to cope with mental illness is a critical step in seeking the right level of care.

If left unaddressed, substance abuse can escalate to situations that involve civil commitment or court-mandated treatment under state laws. Early recognition gives families the opportunity to encourage voluntary treatment before the addiction worsens. By noticing these warning signs and taking action quickly, families can help their loved one begin recovery in a supportive and structured environment.

At Hillside Detox, our team specializes in guiding families through this process, from identifying warning signs to selecting a safe and effective treatment program. Whether your loved one is just beginning to show symptoms or already facing legal and health consequences, we’re here to help them take the first step toward lasting recovery.

Understanding Denial and Resistance: Getting Someone into Rehab

For many families, one of the hardest parts of helping a loved one is recognizing that denial is a common barrier to recovery. A person struggling with drug and alcohol addiction may insist they don’t have a problem, even when the warning signs are clear. This denial is often fueled by fear, shame, and the brain changes caused by addiction itself.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that denial is a major reason people delay treatment for substance use. In some cases, a loved one may compare their use to “other drugs” they believe are worse, or minimize the impact of alcohol misuse. Families can respond by focusing on compassion and concern rather than blame. Statements like, “I care about your health and safety,” can break down defensiveness and open the door to treatment.

By understanding that denial is part of the illness, families are better prepared to approach their loved one with patience, persistence, and empathy.

Discussing Addiction Treatment With a Family Member

If possible, start with a compassionate conversation. Avoid blame and focus on concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements, such as, “I’m worried about your health,” instead of accusations.

Sometimes, an open dialogue is enough to encourage someone to explore treatment options such as outpatient treatment or a residential rehab facility. You can offer support by helping them research treatment centers, attending initial appointments, or exploring treatment plans together.

When Involuntary Treatment Becomes Necessary

Sometimes, even after repeated conversations, a family member may still refuse to seek treatment for a serious substance abuse problem. In these cases, involuntary treatment may be the only option to protect their health and safety.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), untreated drug abuse can worsen mental health conditions, increase legal risks, and even endanger lives.

Involuntary commitment laws exist to make sure that someone in rehab can begin receiving substance abuse treatment even if they are resistant at first. While the process can feel overwhelming for families, it may be the step that saves a life, especially when adolescent substance abuse threatens to derail a young person’s future.

Steps for Involuntary Rehab

If you’re considering involuntary rehab, here’s how the process typically unfolds.

Step 1: Consult a Professional

Start by speaking with an interventionist, healthcare professional, or addiction treatment center. These experts can assess the situation, explain available options, and help families determine if involuntary treatment is appropriate.

Step 2: Review State Involuntary Commitment Laws

Involuntary commitment laws, also called civil commitment or court-ordered involuntary commitment, allow a court order to place someone into a treatment facility or rehab center without their consent. These laws vary depending on the state. Examples include:

• Marchman Act (Florida) for drug and alcohol addiction
• Emergency petition procedures in various states for mental health or substance abuse disorders

A social worker, health care professional, or human services agency can help you understand the process and your legal rights.

Step 3: File a Petition

If involuntary treatment is necessary, families or professionals may file a petition with the court. This petition typically includes evidence of the person’s substance abuse problem, medical records, or police reports that show they are a danger to themselves or others.

Step 4: Court Hearing

Once the petition is filed, a hearing will be scheduled. At this hearing, the judge reviews the evidence and listens to testimony from family members, health professionals, or social workers. The goal is to determine whether involuntary treatment is legally justified.

Step 5: Treatment Order

If the court agrees, a treatment order is issued. This order may mandate placement in a rehab program, detox facility, or dual diagnosis treatment center where both mental health and substance use can be addressed together. Though the first step may not be voluntary, many people later come to see this intervention as a turning point; an opportunity to rebuild health, restore relationships, and pursue a future free from addiction.

Creating an Intervention Plan for Substance Use Disorder

When legal measures aren’t necessary, or as a first step before considering them, a structured intervention can be one of the most effective ways to encourage a loved one to seek help. An intervention creates a safe, organized setting where family and friends come together to express concern and provide a clear path toward recovery.

How an Intervention Works

A successful intervention typically involves:

• Coordinating with a professional interventionist or counselor who understands both the emotional dynamics of families and the realities of substance use disorder.
• Gathering supportive family and friends who can share their concerns in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way.
• Presenting specific treatment options so the person struggling with addiction can see a clear next step, whether that’s a detox, rehab program, or structured treatment program.
• Setting boundaries and expectations, sometimes called “tough love,” to emphasize the seriousness of the situation while still offering unconditional support.

Interventions work because they shift the focus from blame to hope. Instead of arguments or ultimatums, the person struggling with addiction is shown love, support, and real options for change. Families can explain how the addiction has affected them while also pointing to the possibility of healing through treatment.

Choosing the Right Rehab Program

Selecting the right rehab facility is one of the most important steps a family can take. The right treatment approach not only addresses the immediate challenges of withdrawal and cravings but also equips a person with the tools to make an informed decision about their future and learn how to stay sober long-term.

What to Look For in a Rehab Program

A strong rehab program should include:

• Comprehensive substance abuse treatment for both drug addiction and alcohol addiction, tailored to the individual.
• Medical detox services to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and provide a stable foundation for recovery.
• Mental health services to treat co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, which often fuel substance use disorder.
• Addiction recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other peer networks, to build community and accountability.
• A full treatment plan with aftercare, ensuring clients have support as they transition back to daily life and continue practicing relapse-prevention strategies.

Hillside Detox: A Comprehensive Treatment Approach

At Hillside Detox, we know that no two journeys through addiction are the same. That’s why our programs combine medical care, evidence-based therapy, and community support into a comprehensive treatment plan. This whole-person approach ensures that every client receives care for their physical health, mental well-being, and emotional stability.

From the first step of detox to aftercare, Hillside is committed to guiding clients through recovery with compassion and professionalism. By choosing a rehab program that integrates medical, therapeutic, and community resources, families give their loved one the best chance at not just short-term progress, but a successful recovery and a future built on hope.

Support Throughout the Recovery Process

Whether your loved one enters a rehab program like we offer here at Hillside Detox voluntarily or through involuntary commitment, your role as a source of emotional support is crucial. Attend family therapy, stay engaged in their treatment plan, and celebrate their progress.

Recovery is not a straight line, but with persistence, the right treatment center, and a strong support system, your loved one can overcome drug or alcohol addiction and reclaim their life.

If you’re ready to help your loved one begin the recovery process, contact Hillside Detox today. Our team of compassionate professionals can help you understand your options, navigate legal processes if needed, and find the right rehab program for lasting healing.

Sources

Mayo Clinic Staff. Drug addiction (substance use disorder): Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Co‑occurring disorders and health conditions. NIDA. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Stigma and discrimination. NIDA. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/stigma-discrimination

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Know the risks of using drugs. SAMHSA. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/risks

Fariba, K. A., & Gupta, V. (2020, May 14). Involuntary commitment. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557377/