Science has recently learned much more about the chronic disease of addiction, which changes the person’s brain chemistry in a way that he/she cannot understand or control. Treatment has changed, too. The long-term goal is durable recovery in which a person “gets on with her/his life” and ongoing therapy is gradually minimized.  There are many pieces that must come together for recovery: physical and behavioral health, and critical social issues such as work, housing, transportation, health insurance. But the most important piece is commitment: treatment isn’t possible until the person is ready to accept help.

What can you do to help?

1. Understand that addiction is not a moral choice but a brain disorder that requires professional assistance. Like any chronic disease, such as diabetes or hypertension, addiction can be managed by informed and long-term treatment. 
2. Assure your loved one that she/he will be treated with respect and empathy by the IAC team; we will work with them to “get their lives back.”
3. The moment your loved one is ready to try treatment, dial our number immediately and have him/her talk with us directly.  Our nurse care manager understands and will schedule him/her quickly to visit with our team.
4. For a minor, a parent or guardian can insist on treatment.  But, it is unlikely to be successful unless the patient is engaged, willing, and motivated.
5. For a person over 18, you can only employ persuasion.  Try to motivate the patient to make the connection for her/him-self. 

You won’t give up on your loved one- and neither will we.