Signs Your Loved One Might Need Rehab for Addiction

If someone you care about is acting differently, struggling emotionally, or pulling away from the people and responsibilities they once cared about—it’s natural to be concerned. And if you suspect that substance use might be involved, you’re likely feeling quite worried and unsure of what to do next. 

Olympia Grove Recovery can help you handle the overwhelm with answers to your questions and addiction treatment that moves people forward. We help navigate the early signs of substance use disorder with clarity and compassion. When your loved one is ready, our addiction rehab programs in Ohio offer focused recovery, real progress, and lasting strength. 

What is a substance use disorder (SUD)? 

The first step in determining whether a loved one might need rehab for addiction is understanding what an addiction or a substance use disorder really is. Substance use disorder (SUD) is the clinical term used to describe the chronic medical condition that people often refer to as “addiction.” It’s when someone continues to participate in drug or alcohol use despite harmful consequences to their health, relationships, or overall well-being. 

It’s also important to realize that SUD exists on a spectrum. There are mild, moderate, and severe forms of SUD. Where someone falls on the spectrum depends on how many symptoms they have.  

Symptoms include things like: 

• Urges or cravings for the substance  
• Withdrawal symptoms if they haven’t had the substance over a period of time 
• Inability to cut back 
• Risky behavior like drinking and driving 

SUD is not about willpower. The brain, someone’s ability to make decisions, and emotional regulation can all be significantly impacted by chronic substance use. Understand that SUD is not a personality flaw, but a treatable condition, and early intervention can make all the difference.  

When do you know for sure that a loved one needs rehab for addiction? 

When it comes to SUD, recognizing the need for help isn’t always straightforward. The signs of SUD can be subtle at first, and many people become skilled at hiding their challenges with substance use, which makes it even more difficult to determine. But some common behavioral red flags include: 

• Neglecting work, school, or family obligations 
• Dramatic changes in personality or mood, irritability 
• Secretive behavior or lying about whereabouts 
• Spending more time with new social groups 
• Frequently needing money or experiencing legal issues 

Although these signs can cause you to suspect that someone is struggling, they are not a diagnosis. In order to know for sure, you need a professional diagnosis.  

Why a medical assessment matters 

Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether your loved one meets the clinical criteria for SUD. Diagnosing addiction involves understanding how frequently they engage in substance use, the impact it has on their life, and whether they experience withdrawal when they aren’t ingesting the substance. 

At Olympia Grove Recovery, our team is equipped to provide an assessment of your loved one’s needs. If you’re wondering whether your loved one needs rehab, we can help you find judgment-free answers and compassionate support. 

The physical and social signs of SUD 

If you’re thinking about reaching out for professional treatment for a loved one, here are a few basic questions to consider: 

Physical Signs 

• Has your loved one experienced sudden weight loss or gain? 
• Do they have red, bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils? 
• Have they been shaky, nauseous, or frequently fatigued? 
• Have they stopped taking care of their hygiene? 
• Do you see evidence of unexplained injuries, like bruises? 

Social Signs 

• Have they become isolated or withdrawn from family and friends? 
• Do they lie or get defensive about their activities? 
• Are they avoiding responsibilities like work, school, or family obligations? 
• Have they stopped socializing with people they used to care about? 
• Is there conflict, financial trouble, or legal risk linked to their behavior? 

If you’re answering “yes” to several of these questions, it’s likely time to consider professional support. 

How do I help someone in denial? 

One of the most painful challenges families can face is when a loved one doesn’t believe—or won’t admit—they have a problem. Denial is common. It can stem from shame, fear of change, or shifts in brain chemistry that affect self-awareness. 

Here are a few things that may help: 

• Have a conversation that focuses on care, not confrontation. Lead with compassion. 
• Focus on what you’ve observed, not what you assume. 
• Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed you seem really distant lately…” 
• Be prepared with options. Do your research. Talk to an Olympia Grove team member so you’re ready to share options with your loved one. 
• Consider asking a professional to support you 

Most importantly—don't give up. Care and consistency matter more than perfect words. Ultimately, it’s up to the person experiencing an SUD to decide they need help. But knowing you’re behind them and what your concerns are can go a long way toward motivating someone to get the help they need.  

What happens in addiction treatment? 

Knowing all you can about recovery is vital to the conversations you have with your loved one. When you’re able to share information, you may also be able to assuage any fears they have about the process.  

At Olympia Grove Recovery, we combine evidence-based care with a warm, structured environment that meets people where they are. Our programs include: 

• Medical Detox: 4–7 days of supervised stabilization 
• Inpatient Rehab: 21–30 days of immersive, clinically grounded treatment 
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: For co-occurring mental health conditions 
• Group Therapy: Support, connection, and accountability 
• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions to address root causes 

Whether your loved one is just beginning to explore treatment or ready to enroll today, we’re here with answers, support, and real solutions.  

Don’t forget to care for yourself

Supporting someone with SUD can feel heavy and overwhelming. You may feel like everything depends on you—but you’re allowed to take a breath. Your health matters, too. 

Reach out for your own support. Whether it’s a therapist, a support group like Al-Anon, or simply a trusted friend, you deserve care.  

Call Olympia Grove Recovery today for hope and a plan for moving forward 

You don’t need to have everything figured out. If your loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, Olympia Grove Recovery is here to help you figure out the next step. We offer structured healing for Northeast Ohio. Call 216.438.8351 today to get the support your loved one needs, or submit our online contact form.