How To Help Someone See an Addiction Psychiatrist
Helping someone see an addiction psychiatrist means preparing for the conversation, exploring treatment options, and helping them take the first step. This article walks you through the process so you can help a loved one seeking support and understand how BNI can help.
Key Takeaways
- Addiction psychiatry care helps people with substance abuse and dual diagnosis. Providers typically prescribe medications and often include therapy in an integrated approach.
- Talking to a loved one about getting help with addiction psychiatry can be tricky, but it’s important to lead with concern and compassion, research treatment and payment options, and choose the right time and place.
- If your loved one says no, set healthy boundaries, keep the door open, avoid enabling behaviors, and revisit the conversation later.
Table of Contents
- What Is An Addiction Psychiatrist?
- What Are Some Signs Your Loved One May Need an Addiction Psychiatrist?
- Why Do People Resist Getting Help?
- How Can I Prepare for the Conversation?
- How Should I Talk to Someone About Seeing an Addiction Psychiatrist?
- How Can I Help Them Take the First Step?
- What Should I Do If They Say No?
- What Will the First Appointment Be Like?
- How Can I Support Them Through Treatment?
- How Can I Take Care of Myself?
- BNI Clinics Is Here When They Are Ready
- FAQs
Introduction
Getting help for a loved one struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders can be challenging. Stigma, cost, and work schedules are common obstacles, and it may take several attempts before they agree to recovery. But with persistence and the right approach, success is possible.
One way to prepare for this talk is to explore treatment options. Addiction psychiatry is a good choice for people dealing with substance use or dual diagnosis, which refers to co-occurring mental illness and substance use issues. The combination of medication and therapy treats both conditions simultaneously, reducing the risk of relapse.
This article explains how to talk to someone about seeing an addiction psychiatrist and prepares you for the road ahead.
What Is An Addiction Psychiatrist?
An addiction psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in substance abuse disorders. General psychiatrists treat a broad range of mental health conditions, while addiction psychiatrists have additional training in substance use disorders. Unlike therapists and counselors, they can prescribe medications. They may offer therapy or coordinate with a therapist for therapeutic care.
Addiction psychiatrists treat substance use disorders on their own or when co-occurring alongside mental health conditions. They offer the following services:
- Medical Detox: They may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings and reduce complications during detox.
- Diagnosis: They can diagnose underlying conditions that may contribute to substance use disorder.
- Dual Diagnosis: Addiction psychiatrists can help people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, prescribing medications and providing therapy, or working alongside other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive approach.
What Are Some Signs Your Loved One May Need an Addiction Psychiatrist?
Your loved one may require an addiction psychiatrist if previous attempts to quit have not resulted in long-term recovery, if they are showing signs of physical dependence, if they experience mental health symptoms alongside substance use, or if they are using substances to self-medicate.
- Previous Recovery Attempts: If a loved one has not achieved long-term recovery with previous rehab attempts, a different approach, such as addiction psychiatry, may be more effective.
- Signs of Physical Dependence: Increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are among the most common signs of a substance use disorder.
- Mental Health Symptoms Alongside Substance Use: Many individuals self-medicate symptoms like depression and anxiety, leading to co-occurring disorders.
Why Do People Resist Getting Help?
People often resist getting help due to stigma, denial, shame, guilt, or fear. Practical barriers, such as cost or work, may also prevent them from getting the care they need.
- Stigma: People worry about what others will think if they admit they have a problem.
- Shame & Guilt: These internal emotions can keep people from reaching out for help.
- Fear: Some individuals fear withdrawal or the recovery process. However, medical treatment can reduce discomfort.
- Work: Some people can’t step away from work and other responsibilities to get the care they need. However, outpatient options offer flexibility, while the FMLA provides work protection when available.
- Cost: Those who see cost as a barrier can explore insurance options and payment plans.
According to 2025 survey data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), among the 47.2 million people aged 12 or older classified as needing substance use treatment, only 16 percent, or 7.6 million people, received it, roughly one in six. Understanding the reasons behind the treatment gap can make it easier to identify ways to overcome barriers and ensure people get the help they need.
How Can I Prepare for the Conversation?
You can prepare for the conversation by understanding that addiction is a medical condition, researching treatment and payment options, and picking the right time and place. Involving others can also help.
- Understand Addiction is a Medical Condition: Addiction is considered a disease because it causes measurable, lasting changes in brain structure and function that affect behavior in ways a person can’t simply choose to switch off. Understanding addiction as a medical condition can help you develop empathy, which should be a core component of any conversation.
- Research Treatment Plans: Be prepared to discuss treatment options with your loved one to help them feel more comfortable and choose what best fits their needs.
- Know the Payment Options: A 2025 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health finds that among U.S. adults with a substance use disorder who wanted or sought treatment but didn’t get it, about 48% said the treatment cost was too high. With cost being a common obstacle, be prepared to discuss payment options such as financing and insurance.
- Pick the Right Place & Time: Avoid starting a conversation during an already stressful time. Choose a calm place and moment to increase the odds that they will be open to discussing treatment programs.
- Involve Others: Bringing others into the conversation can reinforce the discussion. If you’re not breaking through, you may seek professional help, such as a trained interventionist.
How Should I Talk to Someone About Seeing an Addiction Psychiatrist?
When talking to someone about seeing an addiction psychiatrist, lead with concern and compassion, avoid blame, use ‘I’ statements, share specific observations without exaggeration, frame the psychiatrist as a doctor, not a punishment, listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, avoid labels, ultimatums, and lectures, and offer choices to give them a sense of control.
- Lead With Concern and Compassion: Let them know you want them to get help because you care about them and those close to them. Avoid blaming them for their actions.
- Share Specific Observations: Point out specific ways their addictive behaviors may be disruptive without exaggerating.
- Frame the Psychiatrist as the Doctor: The conversation should establish addiction as a disease wherein the psychiatrist is a healer. Don’t frame treatment as punishment.
- Listen to Their Concerns: Let them know you understand what they are going through and validate their feelings.
- Avoid Labels, Ultimatums, and Lectures: These strategies can make them feel defensive and unwilling to agree to care.
- Offer Choices: Discuss different approaches so they feel in control of the decision.
How Can I Help Them Take the First Step?
You can help your loved one take the first step by offering to find a provider, make the first appointment, help with paperwork and insurance questions, and start with a consultation rather than a full treatment commitment.
- Offer to Find a Provider: If choosing feels overwhelming, narrow it down to one or two options and offer to make the appointment.
- Help with the Paperwork and Insurance Questions: These processes can also be stressful- your assistance can be valuable during a critical time.
- Start with a Consultation: Rather than asking your loved one to agree to full treatment, start by asking them to commit to a consultation. This promotes a step-by-step approach and allows them to understand the process without feeling overwhelmed.
What Should I Do If They Say No?
If they say no, keep the door open, set healthy boundaries, avoid enabling behaviors, revisit the conversation later, and consider a professional interventionist.
- Keep the Door Open: Let them know that help is always available if they change their mind.
- Set Boundaries: These can involve how you will help them financially, access to your home, covering for them, and general communication and safety.
- Avoid Enabling Behaviors: Healthy boundaries can prevent you from crossing the line from helping to enabling.
- Revisit the Conversation: It may take a few tries before they agree to treatment. Don’t give up.
- Consider a Professional Interventionist: A professional may know the best way to help your loved one get into a treatment center.
What Will the First Appointment Be Like?
The first appointment generally includes an initial assessment, a discussion of treatment options, and an individualized treatment plan.
- Initial Assessment: The clinical team will assess your loved one’s mental and physical well-being and review their medical history to guide safe and effective treatment.
- Discussion of Treatment Options: They will review treatment options, including intensity, medications, and approaches.
- Individualized Treatment Planning: Your loved one will work with their psychiatrist and care team to ensure treatment aligns with their goals and needs.
How Can I Support Them Through Treatment?
Friends and family members can support a loved one through treatment by attending therapy sessions, if invited; encouraging consistency with appointments and medication; celebrating progress; and being patient with setbacks.
- Attending Therapy Sessions: These sessions help family members understand their loved one’s condition and create a healing environment.
- Encouraging Consistency With Appointments and Medication: Help your loved one remember when to take medications and attend appointments. You may even take them to appointments if they require assistance.
- Celebrate Progress: Show them you support them as they work toward their goals.
- Be Patient with Setbacks: Setbacks happen, so stay patient and encouraging as you help them get back on their feet.
How Can I Take Care of Myself?
Helping a loved one who is treating addiction can take a toll on your emotional health, but support groups, self-care, and setting boundaries can help.
- Support Groups: Various support groups are specifically designed to help people whose family members have drug abuse issues. Individual therapy can also help.
- Self-Care: Don’t forget to eat well, get plenty of sleep, and take time out for yourself.
- Set Boundaries: Boundaries can also support your mental well-being.
BNI Clinics Is Here When They Are Ready
Finding the right provider can be a crucial step in helping someone with a substance use disorder. BNI Clinics of Los Angeles is here when they need us. We offer addiction psychiatry, alongside other innovative approaches, combining evidence-based therapy, diagnostic evaluations, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and personalized psychiatric care to address substance use and dual diagnosis.
Contact us when you’re ready to take the first step.
FAQs
What is an addiction psychiatrist?
An addiction psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating substance use disorders. They can prescribe medications, manage withdrawal, and treat co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
How is an addiction psychiatrist different from a therapist?
Therapists and counselors provide talk therapy and behavioral support, while addiction psychiatrists are physicians who can also diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. Many people benefit from seeing both.
How do I know if my loved one needs an addiction psychiatrist?
Signs include repeated failed attempts to quit, withdrawal symptoms, relapse after previous treatment, or mental health symptoms alongside substance use. If you’re unsure, a consultation can help clarify what level of care they need.
What should I say to someone to encourage them to see an addiction psychiatrist?
Lead with concern rather than blame, use “I” statements, and share specific things you’ve noticed. Framing the psychiatrist as a doctor who treats a medical condition can make the idea feel less intimidating.
What if my loved one refuses to get help?
An initial “no” is common. Stay calm, set healthy boundaries, avoid enabling, and revisit the conversation later.
Sources
- Treatment Use Among U.S. Adults with a Substance Use Disorder: Associations with Symptom Severity, Problem Self-Perception, Comorbid Mental Illness, and Mental Health Treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (via PubMed Central). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12026904/
- 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Releases. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2025
- SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2024 NSDUH). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20250728/samhsa-releases-annual-national-survey-on-drug-use-and-health
- Drug Misuse and Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
- Co-Occurring Disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/co-occurring-disorders
- Types of Providers. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/learn-about-treatment/types-of-providers
- How to Talk to Someone About Help. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help
- Stigma and Language. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/stigma-language
- Know What Your Insurance Covers. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-pay-for-treatment/know-what-your-insurance-covers
- What to Expect from Treatment. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/learn-about-treatment/what-to-expect-from-treatment
- Take Care of Yourself. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/caring-for-yourself
- An Underappreciated Intervention. American Psychological Association (Monitor on Psychology). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/12/underappreciated-intervention
- Family and Medical Leave Act. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
- FindTreatment.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://findtreatment.gov
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