Explaining to Your Loved One That You Need Help

Talking to your loved one about seeking help for your addiction

One of the most heartbreaking realizations can occur when you discover that when you were high or intoxicated, you said or did something to hurt someone you love. Some people call this “rock bottom” – when it feels as though you’ve made such a huge mistake that you can’t come back from it. In these moments, it’s time to speak up about what you need. You know that you need help, but you may not know how to go about it or what to even say to your loved ones. If dependency hasn’t fully formed and your “rock bottom” hasn’t been reached, you might find yourself asking, What is the next step from here? Just like it is never too late to ask for help- it is never too early to ask for help, and start the journey to recovery.

In 2016, Five Thirty-Eight, a website that publishes information on science and health, politics, economics and more, explained that in most cases, even family members may be unsure about what the next step is. It’s important to note that by approaching your loved ones, you’re taking the first step towards recovery. The following are some clear, concise messages you can give your loved ones to start making active decisions that could better your life:

I know I have a problem, and I don’t know what to do. Please help me.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I now understand that what I’ve been doing has been hurting myself and everyone around me. I’m ready to seek help.”

“I want to get out of addiction but I don’t know how. Can you go with me to seek treatment?”

There is so much evidence that emphasizes the effectiveness of treatment, and your first step will be to get a comprehensive assessment completed so that your healthcare team at Cumberland Heights can get you processed into a personalized treatment program. This next step may seem incredibly scary – but it’s the best decision you could’ve made.

Cumberland Heights in Nashville, Tennessee on Music Row is a 12-Step based alcohol & drug rehab program. Cumberland Heights’ Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for individuals 18 and above who may be in the early stages of dependency or are experiencing problems with alcohol or drug use. We offer personalized assessments and treatment plans, as well as convenient evening hours to accommodate your workday schedule. To get started on your recovery journey today, call us at 1-800-646-9998.