Whether your loved one is currently in treatment or will be in the near future, there is always the fear that they will want to leave early. Staying in treatment for the recommended duration is important for success in recovery, but it’s not uncommon for patients to want to leave early. Treatment is challenging—it asks patients to take a close look at themselves and their lives, and it’s natural to want to escape that discomfort. It’s also voluntary, and ultimately, the decision to stay or leave is up to your loved one, though it’s important to consider medical advice.
Understanding why people leave treatment, knowing the steps you can take if they do, and learning about the importance of a full continuum of care are all essential in helping a loved one find lasting recovery.
Why Do Patients Leave Treatment Early?
While there are many reasons someone might choose to leave treatment early, some common ones include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the therapeutic process
- Missing family and friends
- Believing they’ve learned all they need to know about staying sober
If your loved one is expressing a desire to leave rehab early, it’s important to address their concerns and fears while also reminding them of the benefits of completing treatment. Encourage them to consider the benefits of staying in treatment, remind them of how far they’ve come, and offer support while respecting their autonomy and decision-making.
What Happens If Your Loved One Wants to Leave Treatment Early?
If they talk about wanting to leave treatment but haven’t yet left, you have an opportunity to intervene. Here are some steps you can take:
Ask Them to Give It One More Day
Your loved one is quickly learning that recovery is a long road. Between withdrawal, cravings, and the awareness of what addiction has done, it’s natural to want to leave. They need to hear that while you understand this isn’t easy, it is worth it. Feelings can change quickly, and this difficult moment can and will change. Validate it and assure them you believe they can do this.
Encourage them to take one more day to think things over. A lot can change in a day.
Reflect on the Good Things
In the moment, it’s tough to remember the good. Take a few minutes and ask your loved one to reflect on something good that happened that day. It can be anything, big or small. Maybe they met someone who is motivating and inspiring, and they want to follow their lead in recovery. Maybe they simply got out of bed and attended a meeting. Maybe they bonded with a roommate. Focusing on something positive can help reframe the situation and remind them of why they chose to enter treatment in the first place.
Can’t think of anything? Here’s one: they’re in a safe place, trying to better themselves and find a way to a healthy, happy life.
Ask About What They’ve Learned
No matter what day of treatment they are on, they’ve learned something so far—ask them what that is. Show genuine interest in what it is they’ve learned and ask them to talk it out. How do they plan on using what they’ve learned? How is it different than what they thought before? Talking out what they’ve learned can help get their wheels turning on how to use the information to get through the moment—and may make them see things in a different light.
Remember That You’re Not Responsible for Their Choices
Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave treatment is up to your loved one. While you can offer support and encouragement, it’s important to remember that you are not responsible for their choices. If they do decide to leave treatment early, focus on taking care of yourself and seeking support from others who understand what you’re going through.
Part of being supportive is also understanding that addiction is a chronic disease, and that recovery is an ongoing process. This means that even if your loved one does leave treatment early, it’s not the end of their journey. Encourage them to continue seeking help and remind them that relapse doesn’t have to be part of their story.
In case of emergency: If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger or poses a risk to themselves or others, contact emergency services immediately. Their safety is the top priority.
Get in Touch with RCA for Support
If your loved one wants to leave rehab early, give RCA a call. Recovery Centers of America offers family support to help you navigate this challenging journey and find the best way to support your loved one. From intervention services to our range of addiction treatment programs, we are here to help families find hope and healing. Contact us today at 833.926.5486 or reach out online for more information on how we can help.
