How Can I Bring up a Conversation About Detox?

Talking to a spouse, family member, or loved one about the need for detox is incredibly difficult. While it is a necessary conversation to have, it is also one of the most challenging. Navigating this time while maintaining an atmosphere of support, caring, and love is crucial. Despite swirling emotions, ensuring that these conversions are as supportive as possible is paramount, and each family and relationship will have to address a conversation about detox, inpatient alcohol treatment, and drug treatment in their own way. 

Still, there are strategies that can help families and loved ones approach a conversation about detox with the right mentality and support. Moreover, we at Hawaii Island Recovery can further these recovery efforts and discussions to help loved ones find the professional help needed to overcome the use of drugs or alcohol. 

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a devastating disease, and it affects entire families. Left unaddressed, the disease can worsen over time, causing an individual to engage in substance use in greater quantities and further exacerbating its destructive effects. 

Anxiety, depression, panic, and other mental health disorders can all stem from an individual’s use of addictive substances, in addition to the physical health ramifications of substance use. From heart and liver damage to damaged lungs, damage to skin and hair, as well as compromised diet, hygiene, and self-care, addictive substances can impact each person’s daily life and health in a plethora of ways. 

Coupled with financial strains and damage to personal relationships, avoiding a conversation about the need for detox and professional treatment to address SUD can further these destructive effects. However, the conversation ahead won’t be easy. Taking a moment to educate oneself and prepare for the conversation about detox is necessary to ensure that any discussions with loved ones maintain a supportive tone, dedicated to familial change. 

Talking to spouses and loved ones about detox and professional treatment is incredibly important. However, before opening such a difficult conversation about detox, it is important to take a step back and breathe. These conversations are incredibly stressful for all involved, and many difficult emotions can flood each person’s head. Taking a moment to engage in self-care and scheduling the conversation ahead of time are great ways to ensure that each person is emotionally prepared to address such a difficult topic and to effectively employ the best strategies to conduct a positive and supportive conversation about detox. 

A conversation about detox and treatment for overcoming SUD is difficult, and the environment plays a large role in how effective these conversations can be. Ensuring that there will be a time and place that is safe, quiet, and devoid of stresses or stimuli can help keep these conversations focused without introducing unnecessary stress into an already delicate atmosphere. Neutral spaces at home can be best, or even a space where those challenged with SUD feel most comfortable such as their own room or hobby space. 

The conversation about detox ahead will be difficult, and beginning any conversation by prefacing support, care, and love can help set the tone for the challenging times ahead. Starting with caring support and expressing personal care can help ensure that such conversations are conducted with such a preface in mind. Additionally, it can help to avoid feelings of accusations or arguments and situate oneself and a loved one on the same side in the journey to overcoming SUD.

Using evidence during these conversations is paramount. There can be many feelings that stem from the use of addictive substances, and past experiences may have birthed feelings of anxiety, depression, resentment, anger, and much more. However, when discussing the possibility of detox for a loved one, using evidence is exceptionally important. Rather than saying how a person felt or making assumptions, instead describing exact dates and actions, using evidence such as empty bottles found in the garbage or signs of drug use, and direct examples of ramifications of substance use can help loved ones confront the extent of their own use, rather than facilitating an emotionally-charged atmosphere. 

A conversation about detox should stay a conversation, not a lecture. Providing loved ones with time to speak, ask questions, refute claims, and more is all part of the process. If an individual is suspected of lying or attempting to change the subject, using evidence and repeating questions can be the best way to address the situation. It is important to truly listen to what spouses and loved ones have to say to best facilitate a unified approach to change.

The world of detox and professional treatment can be intimidating. Having already researched what the detox process may entail as well as locating a few options for facilities that have programs that will help a loved one can help deconstruct this barrier. This can mean having pamphlets or websites pulled up on a computer, being able to answer basic questions, and describing potential differences and advantages of a particular treatment facility. Calling these facilities ahead of time can also provide more information, and help to empower supports reaching out to loved ones with further education. 

Finding family programs like those available at Hawaii Island Recovery can also be paramount. SUD is a disease that affects entire families, and committing to treatment and recovery together can be a great way to create a unified approach to a sober future. 

Having a conversation about detox, inpatient alcohol treatment, or drug treatment is a nuanced and difficult situation, but it can also be one of the most important conversations to have with a loved one. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we believe that making the call to pursue detox and professional treatment is a major step, and we are prepared to be the last call that you have to make. We approached addiction and sobriety with holistic-style treatments, tending to all of a person’s needs, goals, and challenges throughout the treatment process. We also offer continued guidance from detox through inpatient, sober living, and continued outpatient care. For information on how we can help you, call us today at (866) 390-5070.