Asheville, NC, and the environs are a wonderful part of the country. A robust art scene, lots of history, and access to exquisite nature, among other things, draw visitors and residents alike. But nothing, not even living in a beautiful spot, can guarantee protection against a substance use disorder (SUD). According to the WNC Health Network, nearly 50% of the adults living in the western part of North Carolina report that substance abuse has affected their quality of life negatively.
Men have higher rates of alcohol addiction, and more men than women experience alcohol-related death. If you suspect that your husband is addicted to alcohol or drugs, you are likely experiencing great strain and worry. A men’s drug rehab program in NC is an excellent place for your husband to begin recovery.
Can I force my husband to go to rehab?
While the idea of forcing someone into treatment is often emotionally charged and unrealistic, there are ways to encourage your husband to seek treatment voluntarily. Compassionate intervention is key. Here’s how you can help him move toward rehab:
Learn as much as you can
Educating yourself about addiction, its impact, and the rehab process will equip you with the knowledge you need to support your husband effectively. Understanding the nature of substance use disorder and how rehab works is essential for guiding him through the treatment journey.
Offer support without judgment
Approach your husband with empathy. Let him know that you are there to listen, are concerned about his well-being, and want him to hear your concerns. It’s essential to show love and compassion throughout this process.
Avoid enabling behavior
It’s natural to want to protect your loved one, but enabling behavior—such as making excuses for his drinking or shielding him from consequences—can make the problem worse. It’s difficult, but allowing him to face the natural consequences of his behavior (whether with friends, work, or law enforcement) can be an important part of his realization that he needs help.
Encourage help-seeking
Reaffirm that addiction is a disease, and like any other health issue, it requires treatment. There is no shame in seeking help for addiction, just as there would be no shame in seeking help for any physical ailment.
Research support options
When your husband is ready to talk about rehab, have options at the ready. Many men feel more comfortable in men’s-only rehab settings, so include that option in your search for treatment centers. Having researched options can make it easier for him to take the first step.
Offer practical support
Let him know you are there to support him through the process. This could mean being a sounding board when he’s ready to talk, attending his intake appointment, or driving him to rehab. You can also help him avoid people and places that may be triggering during recovery.
Encourage healthy boundaries
It’s vital to establish healthy boundaries in your relationship. While supporting your husband, make it clear that his addiction cannot continue to dictate the terms of your relationship. Hold him accountable for his actions, but always approach the situation with compassion and understanding.
Involuntary commitment and legal aspects in North Carolina
While you can encourage your husband to enter rehab voluntarily, there are situations where legal intervention may be necessary. In North Carolina, involuntary commitment laws allow a person to be admitted to treatment without their consent under specific circumstances. This may be necessary when a person is a danger to themselves or others due to their substance use.
If you’re considering involuntary commitment for your husband, here’s what the process typically involves in North Carolina:
- A physician or qualified healthcare provider must evaluate your husband’s condition. They will determine whether his behavior or substance use constitutes a danger to himself or others.
- If the evaluation confirms that your husband meets the criteria for involuntary commitment, you may file a petition with the court to have him admitted to a treatment facility. The court will review the petition and decide whether involuntary treatment is necessary.
- Involuntary commitment is a serious legal action and should not be taken lightly. Consulting with an attorney or addiction specialist in NC can help guide you through the process and ensure that your husband’s rights are respected while pursuing treatment.
Staging an intervention and voluntary treatment
If you decide to pursue voluntary treatment, staging an intervention can be an effective way to encourage your husband to seek help. An intervention should be approached with care and respect, with the goal of opening up a compassionate dialogue about addiction and recovery. Here’s how you can do it:
- Plan the intervention with a small group of supportive family members or friends.
- Express your concerns calmly and without blame. Focus on how his addiction has affected your life and how you want to help him take the first step toward recovery.
- Provide specific rehab options.
- Reinforce that rehab is not a punishment but a helpful place designed to support long-term recovery and sobriety.
Approaching the intervention with empathy and understanding can create a safe space for your husband to consider the path to recovery and help him take the necessary steps toward healing.
Contact Insight Recovery Center today for men’s rehab
If you’re ready to help your husband begin his recovery journey, Insight Recovery Center is here for you. Located near Asheville, NC, and surrounded by nature, we offer a men’s rehab program that provides evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments designed to support long-term recovery.
We’re committed to helping individuals and their families rebuild their lives. Let us help guide you and your husband through this important step toward recovery. Call 828.826.1376 today or complete this online form to connect.