Coping with drug addiction is a dangerous situation to be in, and millions of Americans suffer from it every year. Drug addiction is costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars every year in drug crime, related injury, and treatment. Families are often the ones that suffer the most from drug addiction. Even though it is incredibly common, most families are unaware, unable, or unwilling to handle the situation. They have sit on the sidelines and watch a loved one destroy their lives. When addiction takes hold it is difficult to shake off, but it is not impossible. The first step is getting the addict to admit they have a problem and then to accept treatment. The earlier this is realized the better because drugs severely damage the way the brain and body function. Addicts are irrational, illogical, and spastic in terms of action and emotion. Families that are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction should confront the addict about their problem. Many find interventions to be an effective tool in getting an addict to see the problem and accept treatment. It is important that these interventions run properly with the right people, there are three people that should not be present at an intervention.
Interventions
The Johnson model of intervention is the most commonly known intervention. Family and friends get together to call an intervention. They are expected to meet at least once before conducting the real intervention. Here the family and friends of the addict can discuss what they want to say, who is going to speak when, how long each individual gets, and what they all expect out of the intervention. This style of intervention is meant to be confrontational. Friends and family confront the addict about their addictive behavior, alcohol or drug abuse, and how it affects them. The addict will be made away that their family and friends are there to support them, but only if they choose to receive proper treatment. Addicts are also made aware that they are going to abide by new rules, boundaries, and consequences for their continued abuse of drugs or alcohol. The Johnson model of interventions purpose is to pull the addict out of their self-denial and see the problem with their addiction. In some cases this confrontation model of intervention can cause the addict to withdraw back to drug or alcohol use from the shame and pressure from the intervention.
The invitational model of intervention differs from the Johnson model in that the addict is invited to a ‘workshop’. A friend or family member extends an invitation to the addict giving them all the information about what is going to happen. The addict understands that the gathering is an intervention for their drug abuse. The addict has the choice to agree or not to agree to attend the workshop. This style allows for the addict to choose to listen and get help, opposed to confronting them. In this style to negative results of confrontation are evaded. It should also be noted that in this style if the addict does not want to come to the workshop or refuses, then they can be forced. Regardless of their willingness they are aware of the purpose of the meeting.
Three People Who Should Not Be at an Intervention
The people who are at the intervention are just as important as what they have to say. Anyone that was a participant to the drug or alcohol abuse and addiction should not be at the intervention. These individuals will not make the process any better and could disrupt the entire operation. The addict will think everyone is being hypocritical and out to get them. Young children should not be at an intervention because they are not mature enough to understand and contribute to the process. Any individual that will attack, blame, or physically cause disruption should not be invited to an intervention. Interventions are meant to be a way for the addict to feel as though they are in trouble and cared for; if they feel as though they are being attacked it could drive them further into their addiction.
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