When someone has an addiction, drug and alcohol rehab is vital for them to recover. They may disagree. They may argue that they don't need to go to rehab because they are in control of the problem. While that person might believe that, it's simply not true.

It's so important for your loved one to have the needed support during this important time. So many different problems can occur when one stops using alcohol or drugs. Having professional guidance throughout the process will help your loved one stay safe. It will also produce a much better result.

So many people end up relapsing back into their old substance use patterns when they don't get help. This is definitely not something you want to happen to your family member. Relapsing means that he or she is at a high risk for overdose.

It might seem difficult to believe it, but many people consider quitting cold turkey first. They tell themselves that they'll try it on their own first. If that doesn't work, they'll begin to entertain the thought of professional treatment.

That might be something that your loved one has said to you, and it might be worrying you. Even so, there probably isn't much you can do or say to stop the attempt. However, what can be helpful for you is knowing as much as you can about what's about to happen. It will also benefit you (and your loved one) if you know what could happen.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If your loved one makes the decision to stop using drugs cold turkey, be prepared for the withdrawal symptoms. Your family member probably doesn't know much about withdrawal, other than the mild symptoms he or she has already experienced. You will want to be supportive with the attempt. It will help you to talk about withdrawal together.

Do some research on the types of withdrawal symptoms your loved one is likely to experience. Once you get a list together, share them with him or her. For example, if your family member is addicted to marijuana, look up marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Create a list and share it with him or her. Talk about different ways to manage the symptoms before the cessation of the drug begins.

The support that you're able to offer during this time will make such a big difference. If the quit doesn't work, your loved one may be much more willing to consider treatment afterwards.

Relapse

It's important for you to understand that relapses back into alcohol or drug use do happen. They happen often, and this is something you should be prepared for. If your loved one suffers from a relapse, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

One reason a drug or alcohol relapse can be very dangerous because it can lead to a greater dependence. Many times, relapsing back into alcohol or drug use only makes the addiction stronger. This is because it is reinforced to the brain that drugs or alcohol are necessary for survival. Your loved one's brain begins to think, "See? I need this. I can't quit using."

As you can probably guess, the more often a person relapses, the stronger this need to use becomes. Eventually, your family member may come to believe that this is just the way life was meant to be. You, of course, know that this isn't true. It may even be helpful for you to share with your loved one about the dangers of relapsing.

Overdose

Relapsing back into alcohol or drug use can also have a more dangerous outcome. So many people end up overdosing when they relapse. Overdoses can be fatal. An overdose should be your primary concern because they happen often when someone relapses.

While there's nothing you can do to prevent an overdose, it's important for you to know the signs of one. Knowing the signs of an overdose can help you act quickly.

Some of the signs of a drug or alcohol overdose include:

• Severe chest pain
• Becoming disoriented or confused
• Experiencing a severe headache
• Having seizures
• Breathing problems
• A very high temperature
• Becoming paranoid
• Experiencing agitation or anger
• Having hallucinations
• Becoming unconscious
• Gurgling sounds or snoring
• Blue lips or blue fingertips
• Lifeless arms and legs

When you check on a loved one and you can't get a response, it may be because of an overdose. Please don't assume that the individual is just in a deep sleep. Overdoses don't always happen quickly. Sometimes they can take several hours. Taking quick action during that time can save your loved one's life.

If you suspect that your loved one has overdosed, there are a few things you should do:

• Call 911 and request an ambulance immediately. Tell the operator that you suspect an overdose.
• Stay with your loved one and talk with him or her. Assure them that everything will be OK.
• If your family member is unconscious, keep trying to get a response. Call his or her name, and try different ways to wake them up.
• If you're not able to get a response, turn your loved one on their side. This will help prevent choking if your family member starts to vomit.
• If your loved one is awake, but hot or agitated, try to move them to a quiet, cool place.

Remember, your loved one does not have to have all of the above signs of an overdose to have overdosed. Even just a few of them could indicate a problem.

When emergency personnel arrive on the scene, they can administer medications and CPR, if necessary. Naloxone is a medication that is often used to counteract overdoses. It works really well.

Even if your family member asks you not to call 911, please ignore their pleas. Not calling could be the difference between life and death.

If you're encouraging your loved one to go to addiction treatment, it's helpful to know the various options. He or she may ask you what the different types are, and you'll want to provide information. If you know how to answer the questions, it may help your family member to make a good decision.

There are so many different options available for drug and alcohol treatment. Not all options are right for everyone. The most important thing is for your loved one to find the right one for them.

These options include:

Alcohol or Drug Detox

Not everyone needs drug or alcohol detox as the first step in their treatment. However, it is highly recommended for the vast majority of those with addictions. Detoxification is a process of cleansing the body from toxins. It is required for alcoholics, and highly recommended for those who use heroin or prescription pain medications.

During alcohol or drug detox, the goal is to help the patient get through the withdrawal phase. Symptoms can be managed easily in a professional setting. This not only makes the process easier on the body, but it makes it much safer too. The risk of medical complications when substances are stopped is greatly reduced. The patient also has a greater chance of a successful recovery.

Inpatient Alcohol or Drug Rehab

Most people think of inpatient treatment when they think of rehab. That's because it is definitely the most popular. Inpatient rehab offers a tremendous amount of support, which many people need. The beginning of a quit is the most difficult, and it helps to have support around the clock.

An inpatient stay will generally last for about 30 days. It will involve group therapy, individual therapy and additional types of treatment. It's normal for people to be resistant about going to inpatient treatment. However, most find it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

Outpatient Drug or Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also one option available to addicts. However, this method is generally reserved for those who have been through inpatient rehab. If your loved one's addiction is new, or deemed to be not quite as severe, outpatient may be an option.

During outpatient rehab, patients go to appointments regularly. They talk with a counselor during their appointments and work on recovering. Many therapists recommend pairing a support group with outpatient therapy.

Intensive Outpatient Drug or Alcohol Rehab

Intensive outpatient treatment is an excellent option for those who can't go to inpatient rehab. These are individuals who need a higher level of care, but other responsibilities prevent from inpatient treatment. For many of these programs, the hours are very flexible. Patients may go to treatment several days a week during the evenings.

During intensive outpatient treatment, patients will participate in support group and work with a therapist in a one-on-one setting. Many people have experienced great benefits from the availability of this type of treatment.

Long-Term or Residential Treatment

30 days is not enough time to recover for many people. They need longer-term treatment for recovery to benefit them. For these individuals, a long-term treatment facility is the best choice.

Long-term or residential treatment offers so many great benefits. Patients can stay for as long as six months, or even longer in some cases. These facilities are all set up differently. Some of them allow patients to even hold down jobs while they get treatment.

The support offered in long-term treatment is exceptional, which makes it a great choice for those who need it.

An Outpatient 12 Step Program

Outpatient 12 Step Programs are great for anyone who needs group support. There are typically two different kinds of programs to choose from.

Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that offers help for recovering alcoholics. Meetings are held once a week, and they are located all over the country.

Like AA, Narcotics Anonymous is also a support group, but it's targeted toward drug addicts. NA meetings are free to attend, and the only requirement is to be free of drug use.

Your loved one may have been hesitant to go to rehab because of the inability to pay for it. Likewise, this may also be a concern that you have as well. Many people don't realize the type of help that is available for them through their own health insurance companies.

Health Insurance Benefits

Your family member's health insurance offers benefits to help cover the costs of rehab. This is actually a requirement under the Affordable Care Act. All health insurance plans are different. However, many of them have started to cover the costs of drug and alcohol treatment in full.

If your family member does not have health insurance, it's easy to apply for it. Simply visit HealthCare.gov and choose the right plan.

Government Funding is Available for Rehab

There are a lot of people in the United States who are unable to afford addiction treatment. For these individuals, a state-run facility might be the best choice. These treatment centers receive government grants to help those who can't afford rehab.

Paying for Drug and Alcohol Treatment with Cash

Maybe you or someone you know is able to help your family member cover the costs of rehab. It is possible to pay with cash, if that is the preference. Your family member can also apply for a personal loan to cover the costs.

Talking with your loved one about their addiction and treatment may be the most difficult discussion you ever have. Still, it's something that you need to do for his or her own good. The question is, how do you do it?

There are a few things you'll want to remember, and they include:

• Make a plan ahead of time. You'll want to know what you're going to say. You'll also need research to back up your claims. Arm yourself with as much information as you possibly can.
• Be kind, but firm in the words that you choose. You don't really know how your loved one will react to you. It's possible that he or she realizes the truth, but needed someone to talk to about it.
• Take the time to listen to your family member's words too. You want to be listened to, so model that behavior.
• Demonstrate unconditional love to your family member. It's not enough just to tell them you love them. Show it in your words and in your actions.
• Be firm about various limits within your home. They will be hard to reinforce, but stick to your grounds. Every decision you make now is laying the groundwork for the change you desire to see.
• Be very clear about the changes you would like to see your loved one undertake. Talk about how the addiction makes you feel, and appeal to the heart.

You will want to be prepared for your words to fall upon deaf ears. If they don't, that's great. However, most of the time addicted family members are resistant to changes. If that's the case in your situation, you do have other options.

When you schedule an intervention, you're involving other people in this process. Interventionists at an addiction treatment center oversee interventions, and they walk families through all the steps.

You may meet with the interventionist before you meet with your loved one, and this is an important step. During this meeting, you'll get a chance to share your concerns. You'll also get some feedback on various limits you need to set if treatment is not sought.

The intervention itself will involve your loved one and other friends and family members. You'll all meet together and talk about the addiction. You'll have a chance to speak your mind, and others will too. Quite often, people involved in interventions end up agreeing to get treatment.

Once your loved one is in treatment, you'll want to remain as involved as possible. You can check with your chosen facility to find out when the visiting hours are. You may have to make arrangements for visits and phone calls.

Also, you'll be able to set up family meetings with your loved one's therapist. The meetings will offer you tremendous support. They will also help you to work through some personal issues you have with your loved one.

You've been through a lot if you have a loved one with an addiction. You need to get help for yourself too. There are a few ways you can do that.

Al-Anon is an organization for families of addicts. They offer support groups to provide encouragement and help. These meetings take place every week.

If you have children in your home who were affected by the addiction, help is available. Alateen is an organization through Al-Anon that is specifically for them.

You may also want to consider going to a therapist to talk about the issues you've faced.