If you have a loved one who you believe is struggling with an opiate addiction, there are several steps required in order to help them get the help they need. Ultimately, the goal should be to get them to voluntarily sign up for treatment in a NJ rehab center, but this is often more complex than it sounds. To start, you should make sure your loved one does have a substance abuse problem by looking for signs of an opiate addiction. If they seem to be hiding when they’re taking the drug or avoiding contact with family members more frequently, these are some indications of a problem.
Additionally, they may have to resort to high risk behaviors once they can no longer obtain legitimate prescriptions for an opiate painkiller. This involves associating with a criminal element and going to high crime areas to obtain illegal forms of the drug. They may also quit hobbies and activities that once gave them pleasure because their primary concern is maintaining the euphoric state that the opiate drugs provide. Once you recognize the addiction problem, you’ll still be faced with the challenge of convincing your loved one to seek treatment. Except in rare circumstances, such as being ordered into rehab by the courts, you cannot force your loved one to seek treatment.
In fact, the treatment and recovery process is more effective and longer lasting when the addict voluntarily seeks professional help. You can convince your loved one to seek help through perseverance and by expressing your concern for them. If you try to push them to seek help or act in a confrontational manner, you may only end up creating a rift between you and your loved one. Instead of placing blame, try to show your loved one the damage their addiction is causing. Talk to them about how their use of opiate drugs has affected their careers, caused them to give up on their dreams, or put undue strain on their personal relationships. You can also talk about how much better their life will be once they are living a clean and sober lifestyle.
How Does a NJ Rehab Facility Help Recovery?
Before your loved one can begin the recovery process that takes place in a NJ rehab center, they will need to get clean. Fortunately, many rehab facilities also operate a detox center at the same facility, allowing addicts to move right into rehab following a successful detox process. The severe withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings that an opiate addict experiences upon stopping the use of the drugs can inhibit their ability to stay clean, while creating hazards to their overall health. The detox program uses strictly regulated doses of medication to control those side effects and make them more manageable. By gradually tapering off the dosages of the medication, the process helps addicts get used to the reduced amount of drugs in their system. While withdrawal symptoms and cravings won’t disappear completely, they will be less frequent and less severe by the time they leave the detox program.
Once your loved one completes the detox program, they can move into the rehab center to begin an addiction recovery program. This involves identifying and treating any mental illnesses that may be contributing to their substance abuse problems, while also teaching the addict how to stay clean on their own. As they enter the facility, they will be evaluated to determine if they suffer from depression, anxiety, or other emotional health problems. By treating these conditions alongside addiction treatment, there’s a lower risk of relapse in the future. The addict will also be taught to identify triggers or factors that increase the likelihood of using again. Internal triggers consist of heightened stress, depressive episodes, or self-esteem issues. External triggers consist of old friends who still use, visiting neighborhoods where it’s easy to obtain illegal drugs, and engaging in activities that enhance the cravings to use again.
During treatment in a NJ rehab program, your loved one will also learn healthy mechanisms for coping with stressful situations. They will be encouraged to meditate, practice yoga, engage in physical activity, or pursue other healthy habits. They will also learn healthier eating habits to help them maintain overall better health as they return to society. If your loved one is ready to get clean, contact our counselors to learn more about our rehab recovery options. You can reach us at 833-610-1174 anytime of the day or night, seven days a week. This call will help your loved one take the first steps in living a cleaner, healthier, and happier way of life.