Occassionally we have people contact us asking how they can help their addicted loved one who is ready to quit using. While we are not counselors or affiliated with any program we are happy to share what we have learned through personal experience and listening to others.
First, family members and loved ones should learn all they can about the addiction. It really helps to know what you and your addict are up against. Mothers Against MethAmphetamine has litterature for families and addicts. They have pamphlets, workbooks, and one highly recommended book "Crystal Meth - They Call it Ice".
Next, if they are want to go to rehab, help them find it. They will probably need help searching for centers, filling out applications, and getting paperwork ready. It can be a daunting job, especially for someone who is doing good just to function through daily tasks.
Below are a couple of options when you're looking for rehab. There are many more that can be "googled" on the internet or by asking a local counseling center.
Teen Challenge is a nationwide substance abuse rehab program. There are many different centers for dedicated to certain groups - men, women, teens. David has visited several Teen Challenge centers. He has met people who were clients and speak highly of the program. When people call us asking about rehab, it is the one that we first recommend they check out. Here is the Teen Challenge facility locator.
Also, here is a link to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Locator. From this locator you can search to find substance abuse treatment based on type of drug abused, type of facility, length of stay, and payment options.
If rehab isn't an option you may want to help them find meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery if they want to go. Not everyone who recovers goes to rehab or meetings, but they are beneficial for many.
If your loved one is in jail, you may want to provide them with recovery related reading materials or encourage them to take part in any treatment programs or ministries that are offered. It really, really helps for the addicted person to understand what has been happening to their brains and bodies and what to expect during recovery.
Most importantly, let them know you love them and you are there to help. A good support system, even if it consists of just one person, means more than most people realize.
Successful crystal meth rehab programs include family members in counseling sessions, and offer orientation programs to educate the family about the patient's condition. The full understanding of the family is essential to the patient's recovery. Without this understanding, the family may even trigger the relapses themselves. During counseling sessions after the detox treatment, other factors concerning the patient's meth abuse will be revealed. If peer pressure or stress because of family problems is triggering the addiction, these problems need to be processed and minimized (if not eliminated) before the patient is released to his/her home.
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