If you’re struggling to know how to tell loved ones you’re entering rehab, you aren’t alone. There is a lot of stigma around getting help for addiction. However, you know that you are making the best choice for yourself. Practice how you’ll tell them and try to anticipate what questions they might have. Choose who you will tell. You can choose to tell everybody publicly, or just close friends and family. Explain the reasons why you’re entering rehab and be confident in your decision. Hopefully, you’ll get plenty of support from loved ones and will have a positive experience getting sober.
How to Tell Loved Ones You’re Entering Rehab: Stand Up for Yourself
Practice What You’ll Say
Before deciding to tell loved ones you’re entering rehab, practice exactly what you’ll say. If they are aware of your drinking addiction, they might be anticipating it. However, if you are telling people that had no idea you were an alcoholic, it could be a shock. Try to rehearse what you’ll say. It’s also good to anticipate the questions they might have. For example, they may want to know how long you’ll be gone, and how to stay in contact with you.
Choose Who You’ll Tell
It’s important to be thoughtful about who you’ll tell that you’re entering rehab. Your close friends and family may have been a part of helping you decide on rehab or deciding which facility to use. However, you can choose to tell a larger group if you like. There is power in standing up in your confidence and being proud that you’re taking steps to better yourself. However, there is still a stigma with getting help for addiction. If you feel that people’s reactions might have a negative impact on your sobriety, then be careful about who you tell.
Explain the Reasons Why
Think through the reasons why you’re entering rehab before telling loved ones. There are so many amazing benefits of getting clean from alcohol. You’ll probably improve your health, social life, and mood. Not to mention your wallet! If friends of yours didn’t realize that you had a drinking problem, they may react with shock or questions when you tell them. It’s important to have a list of all the reasons why you’ve decided to get help.
Stand Up for Yourself
Finally, the most important thing to remember when telling loved ones that you’re entering rehab is to be confident. You are making an incredible decision for your own well-being. You’ll be so much happier if you can get sober. If anybody questions your motives or is less than supportive, stand up for yourself. Be proud of the fact that you are getting help and trying to get clean.
Hopefully, letting loved ones know that you’re entering rehab will be a healthy conversation. But it can be a little nerve-wracking to approach the talk. Plan what you’ll say in advance and anticipate what questions people might have. Choose who you’ll tell carefully. Explaining the reasons why you’re entering rehab can be very helpful if you get any pushback from loved ones. And finally, if they are not being supportive, stand up for yourself. You should be proud of the fact that you are making a great choice for your mental and physical well-being. Hopefully, your loved ones will react positively and want to be supportive while you start the journey of getting sober.
