How to Help Someone With Addiction Get Better Faster

If you're doing everything you can to help a loved one struggling with addiction and wishing the recovery process could just go faster—you’re not alone. The good news? There is a way to accelerate the journey from addiction to recovery—and it all starts with understanding their mindset and using proven strategies to shift it.

This post breaks down actionable techniques that help family members guide their loved ones through the hardest parts of recovery. These tips come from more than 20 years of experience in addiction counseling, and they work.

Why Denial Is the First Roadblock

This blog is the third part of our crash course on denial. If you haven’t seen the first two videos, they focus on how to get your loved one to face the truth—because change starts with acknowledgment.

Once they begin to recognize that everything isn’t fine, the discomfort can create an opening for change. But if you want to take things a step further...

How to Make Someone Want to Get Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide

Some of you may be skeptical just reading the title: "How to Make Someone Want to Get Sober." Before diving into this post, you're likely thinking, "You can't make someone get sober. They have to want it for themselves." You're right, to a large degree. But there's more to the story. While you can't make someone get sober, you can influence them to want to pursue sobriety. Here's how.

The Influence Factor

First, let's address the elephant in the room: you can't force sobriety on anyone. The person struggling with addiction has to put in the work themselves. However, as someone close to them, you play a crucial role in influencing their journey towards sobriety.

Imagine trying to make someone want to spend more time with you. There are subtle ways you can influence their feelings and decisions. Similarly, there are strategies to encourage someone to consider sobriety.

Understanding Emotional Triggers

We all have emotion...

Convincing Someone to Seek Addiction Help: Tips from Amber Hollingsworth

Are you struggling to persuade a loved one to seek help for addiction? Amber Hollingsworth, a seasoned Master Addiction Counselor, shares invaluable insights gained from over two decades in the field. Here's a breakdown of her expert advice:

1. Mind Your Tone: Approach the conversation with calmness and empathy. Avoid conveying fear or frustration, as it can trigger resistance.

2. Set the Stage: Ensure the individual acknowledges their addiction before initiating the discussion about seeking help.

3. Identify Motivators and Roadblocks: Compile a list of what motivates them to change and the potential barriers they face. This insight aids in tailoring your approach.

4. Active Listening: Engage in active listening to understand their perspective better and gather essential information for later use.

5. Avoid Mislabeling Intentions: Refrain from assigning negative intentions to their actions. Instead, acknowl...