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Encouraging a Loved One to Get Treatment

If you’ve ever felt the ache of watching a loved one spiral deeper into addiction, know that you’re not alone—and that your care can be a turning point. Building the courage to speak up, set boundaries, and explore treatment together can feel daunting. But by grounding yourself in proven, evidence-based approaches, you can open up a vital conversation about New Hampshire addiction treatment programs that can help change their life.

Helping Your Loved One Choose Treatment

Supporting someone with substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often overwhelming, especially when they resist getting help. While you can’t force change, you can take meaningful actions that increase the likelihood they’ll seek treatment. The strategies below are grounded in research and offer a compassionate, practical path forward.

Stick to the Facts During Conversations

Begin discussions by focusing on clarity: describe specific behaviors—like skipped appointments, emotional withdrawal, financial difficulties, or frequently being under the influence—and their real effects on health, relationships, and daily life. Using fact-based communication helps reduce defensiveness and opens a pathway for meaningful dialogue.

Be Firm, But Caring

Co-dependency and addiction are deeply connected, so balancing love with limits is one of the hardest yet most essential parts of helping someone with SUD or AUD. Setting healthy boundaries isn’t about punishment—it’s about preserving your well-being while encouraging your loved one to take responsibility for theirs.

Being firm might mean no longer covering for missed responsibilities, not providing money that could support substance use, or refusing to normalize risky behavior. For example, saying, “I care about you and want to support you, but I can’t ignore what’s happening,” helps reinforce that your concern comes from love, not control.

Family members who set clear, consistent boundaries—while continuing to offer emotional support—help reduce enabling behaviors and improve the likelihood that a loved one will seek treatment. Being both firm and caring sends a powerful message: “I’m here for you, and I believe in your ability to get better—but I won’t shield you from the consequences of this illness.”

Include Professionals and Family Therapy

The involvement of qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, addiction specialists, and peer-support counselors reinforces your ability to encourage your loved one to get the treatment they deserve. And it’s vital that family counseling be an essential part of the process to address broader needs—such as attachment disruptions, financial instability, and emotional distress—that commonly arise in households affected by SUD or AUD.

Research Treatment Options Together

You don’t need to have all the answers—this can be a joint exploration. Research evidence-based treatment options such as medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, outpatient services, dual diagnosis care, multiple counseling opportunities, and peer-support groups. Collaborating on this research demonstrates respect and partnership. 

More importantly, a united effort like this supports your loved one to take ownership of their recovery plan. Studies show that shared decision-making is a strong predictor of treatment adherence and better long‑term outcomes.

Offer Practical Assistance—But Know When to Step Back

You can’t do recovery for someone—but you can support their journey. Extend help such as scheduling appointments, arranging rides or childcare, researching post-treatment care, or handling daily errands while they focus on getting well. These aspects help stabilize your loved one’s recovery process.

At the same time, withdrawal may be necessary if boundaries are violated or safety is threatened. Protecting your emotional and physical health while reiterating your willingness to support your loved one’s treatment is a critical act of both love and self-preservation.

Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire: Better Addiction Treatment for a Better Life 

Recovery journeys are rarely smooth. There may be steps forward—and steps backward. Your role is to remain a steady source of compassion: celebrate small wins, hold space for disappointment, and show up with empathy. 

But remember, you and the person you love don’t have to travel this road alone. Our primary mission at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment and continuing care. We have three locations to serve you: 


Encouraging a loved one to pursue addiction treatment requires a balance of empathy, facts, care, and perseverance. You do not have to have all the answers—just be willing to walk forward with compassion and determination. We can help. Reach out to our admissions team for a confidential consultation.