What to Do If Your Loved One Refuses Treatment

Oct 14, 2024

Supporting a loved one who is struggling with a serious issue—be it addiction, mental illness, or another challenge—can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. It’s easy to feel frustrated, helpless, or even angry when someone you care about refuses to seek help. We asked Ashley Gaede: What advice do you give to family and friends when their loved one refuses help? Her response was very clear: Focus on your own recovery.

Ashley explains,

“One of the most important steps you can take is to continue your own education and commitment to healing. Understanding the complexities of the disease your loved one is facing, and how it impacts both them and yourself, is crucial. This journey of self-improvement not only benefits you, but can also create a positive ripple effect in your relationship with them. When they see you actively working on your own recovery, it may inspire them to reconsider their own resistance to treatment. Furthermore, it sends a incredibly powerful message to the person of concern. It says to them: this is how much I love you. I will not give up. I will not put my head in the sand.”

The Power of Family Support

The impact of family members cannot be understated. Much to Ashley’s point, research shows that supportive and understanding family dynamics can play a pivotal role in a person’s recovery journey. Instead of attempting to force your loved one into treatment or making ultimatums, try to foster an environment of love and understanding without enabling the behavior. While it can be tempting to think that a quick fix—like sending someone to a treatment center—will solve the problem, this approach often causes more harm than good. As Ashley explains, “recovery is a process. Allow your loved one to witness your own commitment to the journey by getting the education and support you need and deserve.”

Trust the Process

Ashley explained to us that when she was first introduced to this concept, she struggled to trust that it would work:

“As someone who has an intense personality, it took me a while to get onboard with this as well. It is hard to resist the urge to force someone into treatment, especially when you know their life is at stake, but here’s the thing: Our goal here is long-term, sustainable recovery. If you focus on your own healing, everyone will benefit. This method works ALL the time, not just sometimes.”

There is always hope

Supporting a loved one who refuses help is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth—for both of you. By focusing on your own healing, fostering a supportive environment, and trusting the process, you can create the conditions that may eventually lead your loved one to embrace the help they need. While you cannot force someone to change, your love, understanding, and example can be the guiding light they need to find their way.

If you have a loved one who has previously refused help, we are here to support you. AGI offers complimentary consultations for all of our clients. It is important to us that our approach is the right fit for you and your loved one. If you are looking for a compassionate interventionist that believes in a comprehensive, holistic, and family-centered approach to recovery, please reach out to us today.

Contact AGI at (843) 819-6488

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