Getting Your Mother Into Drug Rehab | Do’s & Don’ts

If your mother is struggling with drug use and requires substance abuse treatment, sometimes children are placed in a difficult position of getting a parent into drug rehab. If your mother participates in drug or alcohol use, consider helping her find a treatment center to recover.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 43.7 million people aged 12 or older required substance use treatment in 2021. Unfortunately, only 6.8% of people received treatment they likely needed.

When helping your mother find a rehab center, it’s important to recognize certain “do’s” and “don’ts.”

The Do’s Of Getting Your Mother Into Drug Rehab

For those who seek to help their mother find treatment for her alcohol or drug use, there are helpful ways to go about finding an appropriate treatment program.

Do Find An Accredited Drug Or Alcohol Rehab Center

In order to determine if a rehab center is accredited, consider speaking with your primary healthcare provider who may offer a referral to an accredited rehab center. 

Before enrolling your mother in a treatment program, it’s necessary to know she will be receiving true professional help. Accreditation shows the treatment center adheres to a high-standard of quality care.

Do Learn The Types Of Treatment Options

Before entering rehab, you can become familiar with the various types of treatment offered. Medical detox is a short-term treatment required in the beginning stages of recovery to manage withdrawal symptoms.

The detox process removes unwanted toxins from the body to prepare for receiving treatment services. Outpatient programs are offered and require your mother to visit the treatment facility at designated times during the week.

There are inpatient treatment centers which allow you to remain on-site 24/7, receiving continued access to medications and care from professionals. 

If your mother suffers from a dual diagnosis due to co-occurring disorders such as a substance use disorder or mental health disorder, inpatient care may be beneficial due to the intensive treatment process.

Once you learn about the programs and treatment options, you’ll be more knowledgeable about the process and can better support your mother during her recovery journey.

Do Offer Your Support

One of the primary ways you can help your mother is to provide support, as stated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

Having a strong support system throughout substance use treatment will allow your mother to not feel so alone during the process.

There are family therapy options and support groups for loved ones, including Adult Children of Alcoholics and Al-Anon.

The Don’ts Of Getting Your Mother Into Drug Rehab

During your focus on your mother’s well-being, there are missteps you will likely want to avoid. To ensure your mother receives the help needed, tread carefully and acknowledge the process may be difficult for your mom.

Don’t Place Blame On Your Mother

Instead of placing blame on your mother, simply address the behavior you’ve seen exhibited by your mom. If abusive behavior has taken place, it should be acknowledged.

By explaining the ways drugs are impacting your mom’s health and your relationship with her, you place the primary focus on her seeking help which can improve behavior. This allows the opportunity for growth and relationships to mend.

Don’t Ignore Or Enable Your Mother’s Drug Problem

If the goal is for your mother to ultimately receive treatment for her drug use, it’s important to not enable her drug addiction. 

Whether you struggle with drug abuse yourself or other members of your family participate in alcohol use when around your mother, enabling her behavior can prevent her from seeking substance abuse treatment.

Ignoring your mother’s drug problem can also be detrimental to treatment. Your mother may not realize her addiction is serious if you remain silent.

Don’t Neglect To Take Care Of Yourself

In addition to helping your mom with her drug or alcohol problem, don’t forget to take care of yourself. 

To help someone struggling with substance misuse, it’s important to make sure you are in a comfortable place with your own mental health, as helping take care of a loved one can be challenging.

Discover A Drug Addiction Treatment Center Today

If you or one of your family members suffer from drug or alcohol addiction, consider finding a rehab program offered at Ark Behavioral Health. At our treatment facilities, we offer recovery support in the form of inpatient care, outpatient care, therapy, detoxification, and more.

If you’re searching for a drug rehab for your mother, speak with one of our health professionals today to learn more about our various treatment plans.