Handling the Call Saying Treatment Is TerribleHandling the Call Saying Treatment Is Terrible
Coming Up for Air — Families Speak to Families about Addiction
Learn how to support a loved one through treatment complaints with practical advice from 'Coming Up For Air'.
29:23•16 Dec 2023
Standing Firm: Supporting Loved Ones Through Treatment Complaints
Episode Overview
- Encourage loved ones to manage discomfort in treatment
- Do not participate in discussions about leaving treatment
- Send a message of confidence in loved one's treatment
- Regulate your own emotions when faced with loved one's dissatisfaction
- Focus on potential benefits of staying in treatment
“Regulate your own emotion, realize that there's discomfort involved and they're trying to get you to get them out of there and hold the line, please. Just at least temporarily hold the line and let them have their discomfort, engage as much as they can. You're not going to start doing the talk of getting them out of there because it's like basically you're hatching a plan to get them out.”
Picture this: your loved one finally agrees to go to treatment, but soon after, you get that dreaded call. They say the place is awful, the people are worse, and they want to come home. What do you do? In this episode of 'Coming Up For Air', hosts Laurie McDougall, Kayla Solomon, and Dominique Simone-Levine tackle this all-too-common scenario. They share personal stories and practical advice on how to handle these tough conversations without giving in to the pressure.
The hosts emphasize the importance of holding the line and not becoming part of the exit plan. It’s about sending a clear message that your loved one can manage their discomfort and that sticking it out could bring positive outcomes. By not engaging in discussions about leaving, you help them focus on the potential benefits of staying in treatment. Laurie, Kayla, and Dominique dive into their own experiences, offering insights that are both relatable and actionable.
They stress that while it's natural to feel anxious when your loved one is unhappy, stepping back and maintaining confidence in the treatment process is crucial. This episode is a lifeline for families navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a loved one's treatment journey. If you’re grappling with how to support a family member who’s struggling with their treatment program, this episode offers a compassionate and practical guide.
It’s not just about weathering the storm; it’s about helping your loved one find their way through it.

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