How to Tell Others You’re Going to Rehab

The devastating consequences of alcohol or drug abuse have impacted your life for long enough. After thinking about it long and hard, you or a loved one has decided to enter rehab.

Family members and friends of people who’ve been using drugs or alcohol are generally relieved to learn that their loved one has decided to enter treatment.

A Difficult Decision

However, the decision to enter rehab can still be difficult to explain.

You may be afraid of what others think or say. Those who’ve engaged in substance abuse alongside you may try to sway your decision because they need to justify their own drug use.

Know that going to rehab is the healthiest thing an individual can do to recover from a substance abuse problem. These tips can help explaining this decision go more smoothly.

How to Tell Others You’re Going to Rehab

• Be Honest. Excuses of being sick or going on vacation might make an impending absence easier to explain, but it will only begin a web of lies that must be maintained and added to for a lifetime. Be honest with family members and close friends. Long-term sobriety is built on a foundation of honesty.

• Decide What to Say Ahead of Time. Knowing what to say ahead of time can help reduce anxiety. Have a practice conversation with a trusted individual for an opportunity to think about and respond to questions others might ask.

• Don’t Feel the Need for Justification. Surprisingly, some people may ask why rehab is necessary. Perhaps they fear losing a drinking buddy or someone to do drugs with. Maybe they’re a loved one who’s in denial about the problem. Explain things as decided ahead of time, but don’t feel pressured to justify the reasons for going to rehab. Wanting to recover and get healthy are reasons enough.

• Ask for Support. The encouragement and support of family and friends can make the transition into rehab easier. While explaining entrance into rehab, let people know that their support of your decision will help during and after treatment.
Focus on Number One. When all is said and done, what matters most is having made the decision to recover at a credentialed rehab facility. Let those who are important know about your decision to go to rehab, but keep the focus on obtaining treatment and medical care to help regain health and begin a life of sobriety.

The Future Starts Today

The decision to enter rehab for substance abuse is the first step toward getting the help you need. Although it’s a difficult decision to make, it’s one worth seeing through. Focus on the supportive words and actions of those who encourage the pursuit of health and happiness.

Establish safe emotional and physical boundaries with people who oppose the choice to enter rehab. The care and guidance received during rehab will make it clear that going to rehab was the absolute best decision.