Addiction is recognized worldwide as a major health problem. It has been listed among the biggest reasons for the poor quality of life and even numerous deaths alongside obesity and diabetes. However, there is no pill or one-shot solution to this problem.

Several years of research and resources have gone into devising various rehab programs and therapies out there. So far, the 12-step program started in the 1930s by Alcoholics Anonymous is the most effective method. However, one crucial aspect is that the person needs to accept the problem and commit to benefiting from the program. However, it is very hard when you can see the signs of addiction in a loved one and need to convince them to enter rehab.

If you find yourself in such a situation, here is a simple yet effective 5-step process to help you convince your loved one to enter rehab.

1. Help Them Identify the Problem

Addiction is a unique disease in many ways. Part of this uniqueness comes from the fact that the patient is not able to see it. However, a close friend or family member can easily spot the disruption in daily life being caused by the addiction. If you are just starting to see the signs that your loved one is addicted, you need to talk to them immediately. Like all diseases, early detection makes the treatment a lot easier.

To start with, you should talk to them about how their behavior is changing because of their addiction. Talk to them about their priorities and how they have changed/are changing. When confronting addicted individuals, the situation can sometimes get out of hand. They may become hyper or violent too depending on the severity of the problem. So, be prepared. You might need to talk extensively with them or even get other people the person cares about into the discussion. Always remember to approach with love, compassion, and understanding.

2. Help Them Recognize the Solution

The first and foremost thing required for a successful recovery is a willingness to change. Once you have helped them identify the problem, it is time to explore remedies. Most persons suffering from addiction think they do not need rehab. However, there is only a handful among any large group of addicted individuals who can break the habit and recover without some form of rehabilitation.

For your case, patiently explore all possible alternatives, keeping in mind that rehab also incurs the time and monetary investments. If the person’s addiction is just starting, they might just need to go to support groups to break their habit.

However, in the case of hardcore substance users or long-term addictions, rehab is most likely the only answer. You should calmly suggest the alternative you think is the best. If there are others involved in the discussion, let them weigh-in, but make sure not to pressurize your loved one too much. Coerced or forced rehabilitation has little to no chance of working.

3. Get a Professional Involved

Okay, now that you have set the stage for your intervention, it is time to get professional help. Speak to a compassionate and experienced counselor. Explain to them the problems you have seen with your loved one and ask them the best way to handle the situation. The counselor will mostly ask you to bring the person to their rehab for a personal counseling session. They might also offer to visit your loved one in case they feel that is the best way.

During the session with the counselor, your role is to be supportive. Let them take the lead and explain the problem and how it can grow if left untreated to your loved one. Whenever required, do speak up about your concerns related to your loved one. However, remember to always retain empathy.

4. Plan Out a Counseling Program

If the counseling session went well, then your loved one would at least be considering the idea of rehab. This is your opportunity to help them get the right kind of help. With the guidance of your counselor, creative a tentative rehab plan. Do this in the presence of your loved one with vital inputs from their side.

Let the counselor negotiate the best plan of action and try to convince your loved one of it. If you encounter resistance, try to be considerate and change the plan, but not so much that it becomes ineffective.

5. Prepare Them for the Treatment