If you have a friend or family member who is beginning the journey of addiction recovery, you might be wondering what to say to someone in rehab.
It isnât uncommon to question what the best things are to say to someone when they are getting help for addiction, as we donât want to offend, hurt, or trigger our loved ones during this time.
Because this is a delicate season in someoneâs life, it is important to be kind, caring, and supportive during your conversations.
Letâs take a closer look at some great conversation starters and quotes so you know what to say to a loved one whoâs going through rehab.
What Is Rehab and Why Is It Important?
Rehabilitation is a structured program designed to help individuals overcome addiction and regain control of their lives. It often combines evidence-based therapy, medical care, and support systems to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Entering rehab can be daunting, as it requires facing the challenges of withdrawal, self-reflection, and personal growth. This process is vital for breaking the cycle of addiction and laying the foundation for a healthier, sober life.
The Impact of Supportive Words in Recovery
Words have the power to heal, uplift, and inspire. During rehab, individuals often face feelings of self-doubt, shame, and fear of failure. Supportive words from loved ones can provide much-needed encouragement and reassurance, acting as a buffer against these emotions.
Research has shown that positive reinforcement improves self-esteem and enhances motivation during recovery. Simple affirmations like “Youâre doing great” or “Iâm here for you” can make a significant difference in their journey.
Encouraging Words for Someone in Rehab
Are you wondering what to say to someone in recovery?
We asked 250 recovering drug and alcohol addicts what the most helpful thing a friend or family member could say to them during treatment. Some of the most common answers/themes were:
- âTake it one day at a timeâ
- âI/We still love youâ
- âI/We believe in youâ
- âI am/We are here for youâ
- âYou can do thisâ
Here are some additional, tried-and-true words of encouragement for someone in rehab.
âI am really proud of youâ
This is an incredibly supportive statement for someone in rehab to hear. Often, someone dealing with addiction has heard comments about their past failures or how disappointing their behavior was.
Telling your loved one youâre proud of them offers encouragement and acknowledges that you know the decision to enter rehab isnât always an easy one. It shows that their decision to get help and get sober was a smart choice and that someone is recognizing the good choices they are making.
âYou are not aloneâI am here for you.â
It takes a lot of courage for someone to acknowledge they have an addiction and want to seek help for it. Depending on the type of rehab your loved one enters, most aspects of their everyday life will change â and that can be scary.
Most of us get uncomfortable when walking into an unknown situation, and the same is true for someone entering a rehab program. Even though your contact may be limited, especially for the first few weeks of the program, it can help your loved one to know you are there for them.
It isnât uncommon for some people in rehab to feel estranged from their friends or family (possibly because of events or behaviors related to the addiction). Knowing someone is there for them can be a powerful boost during this time.
âUse this time to focus on your recovery.â
If you are wondering what to say to someone going to rehab, remind them to use this precious time wisely and focus on recovery. Though addiction can be associated with very selfish behaviors, some people will have a hard time focusing on themselves.
For instance, if a parent has decided to go into inpatient rehab, he or she might fixate on the fact that they are away from their children. Or someone might be worried about what theyâre missing at work. These thoughts can be distracting, and steer focus away from recovery.
Rehab provides an excellent opportunity for your loved one to grow, become more selfâaware, and mature into a better version of themselves â all things that will help them continue their recovery journey.
âWhat can I do to support you during this time?â
You might be wondering what you can do to help someone who is in rehab, and the best way to find out is to ask!
Sometimes, a friend or loved one may have very specific requests such as can you hold onto their mail, take care of a pet, water their plants, or let them keep their car at your house. Other times, they may not have a direct answer, and that is okay.
Just let them know you are able and willing to help â they just have to say the word. Knowing they have someone who cares and loves them may be all the support they need right now.
Inspiring Quotes About Getting and Staying Sober
Here are some proud sober quotes you can share with a loved one in rehab.
âBelieve you can, and youâre halfway there. Sobriety is possible.â â Theodore Roosevelt
âYou are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. Recovery opens up endless possibilities.â â C.S. Lewis
âThe only way to great work is to love what you do. Stay sober, and find passion.â â Steve Jobs
âRemember just because you hit bottom doesnât mean you have to stay there.â â Robert Downey Jr.
âIf you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.â â Benjamin Alire Saenz
âSomebody once asked me how I define sobriety, and my response was âliberation from dependence.ââ â Leslie Jamison
âSobriety is a journey, not a destination.â â Proverb
âThereâs not a drug on Earth that can make life meaningful.â â Sarah Kane
What NOT to Say to Someone in Rehab
Wondering what not to say to someone in rehab? We asked 250 recovering addicts about the least helpful thing a friend or family member could say.
Surprisingly, many respondents said ânothing,â as in saying nothing at all, and avoiding communication with someone in rehab is one of the least helpful things you can do. So, even though it may feel uncomfortable, it is important that you reach out to your loved ones in treatment and reassure them of your support.
Now, there are certain topics and phrases to avoid when talking to someone in rehab, like:
- âWhen will you be cured?â â This phrase can put unnecessary pressure and feelings of inadequacy on your loved one. Remember, there is no cure for addiction, and recovery is a lifelong process. Instead, reassure them they have your support, today and for years to come.
- âWhy did you end up in rehab?â â This question is invasive and judgmental and may not be any of your business. Besides, the reasons for why someone is in rehab are less important than the fact that they are taking steps to improve their life. Instead, reassure them that youâre there for them when they need someone to listen or talk to.
- âWhy canât you just quit? Itâs not that hard.â â Recovery is a complex and challenging process. And your loved one has probably tried to quit before but was not successful. Minimizing the difficulty of recovery is dismissive and unsupportive. Instead, acknowledge their efforts and express confidence in their ability to succeed.
- âYouâre lucky youâre getting a break/vacation.â â Rehab is NOT a break, and it is NOT a vacation. Rehab is hard workâsome of the hardest work that you will ever do. Implying that they are not working at recovery or that they are getting a break may undermine their commitment to the rehab process. Instead, tell them you appreciate all their hard work.
- âAre you sure that you need to be in rehab?â â Questioning the necessity of rehab may undermine your loved oneâs commitment to recovery. This is especially damaging to individuals who were pressured or forced to attend rehab. Instead, offer positive reinforcement of their decision.
Here are the top five topics to try to avoid when talking to someone in rehab:
- Drug or alcohol use stories can trigger cravings or negative emotions.
- Judgment or criticism can damage self-esteem and harm rehab prospects.
- Future expectations put pressure on the individual and increase stress.
- Weight or physical expectations can cause emotional distress.
- Unsolicited advice. It is better to listen actively and ask how you can provide support.
Supporting Recovery:
Actions That Reinforce Your Support
While words matter, actions speak volumes. Show your support through thoughtful gestures that reinforce your encouragement:
- Attend Family Therapy or Support Groups
- Participating in family therapy sessions and support groups can help you better understand the recovery process and strengthen your relationship.
- It demonstrates your commitment to being a part of their healing journey.
- Send Care Packages or Thoughtful Gifts
- A rehab care package might include items like inspirational books, journals for reflection, or comforting personal items.
- Gifts such as recovery medallions or personalized notes can serve as daily reminders of your love and support.
- Celebrate Milestones
- Acknowledge achievements, whether itâs completing a week of rehab or achieving a major recovery milestone.
- Celebrations donât need to be extravagantâsmall tokens of appreciation or heartfelt notes work wonders.
Understanding Rehab Rules
Every rehab facility operates under specific guidelines to protect the recovery environment. These may include restrictions on phone calls, visits, or personal belongings.
To support your loved one effectively:
- Familiarize yourself with the facilityâs rules.
- Respect communication boundaries, such as limited phone time (can you make phone calls in rehab?).
- Follow the visitation schedule and adhere to their policies to avoid disrupting their progress.
By aligning your actions with the facilityâs framework, you provide consistent support while respecting their recovery structure.
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Here to Support You and Your Loved One
Knowing what to say to someone in rehab is crucial, as our words hold power and you do not want to cause someone to stumble or feel defeated. Just remember that your friend or loved one is going through a lot of changes and your support, encouragement, and patience can be very motivating for them to succeed.
If your loved one is not currently enrolled in rehab, but they are struggling with an untreated substance use disorder, what can you do? One of the best things is to encourage them to attend treatment.
Legacy Healing Center is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve lasting sobriety so they can live a meaningful life.
We know addiction affects the mind, body, and soul, which is why we take a holistic approach to treatment. The key treatments we provide include the right psychotropic medications, cutting-edge clinical therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and aftercare programs.
To learn more about our inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, contact us or call 888-534-2295, anytime.
FAQs About What to Say to Someone in Rehab
How can I show my support without being intrusive or making unrealistic promises?
Knowing how to support someone in rehab can be difficult if you are unprepared. Here are nine things you can do to support someone in rehab without being intrusive or making unrealistic promises:
- Practice active listening without pressuring them to share information.
- Respect their privacy by not asking intrusive questions about rehab or the reasons behind their stay.
- Send positive messages of support and let them know you believe in them.
- Offer practical assistance, such as driving them to treatment or looking after their home while theyâre away.
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery to better understand their journey.
- Respect their boundaries and let them share only when and what they want.
- Attend supportive events that are organized by the rehab facility.
- Avoid enabling behaviors, and only provide healthy, beneficial support.
- Celebrate milestones, even seemingly small ones.
What are some things I should avoid saying that might discourage someone in rehab?
Here are some things that might discourage someone in rehab if you say them:
- âJust snap out of it.â
- âItâs not that hard.â
- âWhatâs wrong with you?â
- âYou let everyone/anyone/me down.â
- âWhy canât you just control yourself/your substance use?
- âI donât think you can do it.â
- âYouâre never going to change.â
- âHave you actually learned your lesson?â
- âI thought you were better/stronger than this.â
- âThereâs no point.â
- âYouâre not strong/committed/good enough.â
- âYouâre just going to relapse (again)â
- âI told you so.â
- âThis is your fault.â
- âYou deserve this.â
Is it okay to talk about a person’s addiction with them?
In many circumstances, it is appropriate to talk about a personâs addiction with them. However, there are times when it is not appropriate, and doing so always requires sensitivity and consideration.
Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when talking to someone about their addiction.
- Choose the right setting, ideally a private and comfortable one.
- Ask for permission before initiating the conversation.
- Make it clear that they can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
- Use non-judgmental, empathetic language.
- Choose an appropriate time, not during moments of stress or tension.
- Listen more than you speak.
- Express concern where necessary, but always avoid criticism.
- Educate yourself beforehand so that you can approach the topic with sensitivity.
- Avoid making any assumptions.
- Offer healthy and appropriate support.
- Avoid being an enabler or minimizing the seriousness of any issues.
- Respect their privacy and do not pry further if they are uncomfortable sharing.
- Be patient and understanding and wait for them to open up on their own.