Drug addiction in the United States is a cause for concern. Millions of families are currently dealing with a drug addiction every year. If you are not dealing with drug addiction, chances are that you know someone who is. Addiction is a problem that does not simply affect the individual who is abusing drugs; rather it is a community/society wide problem. It is estimated that the United States spends nearly $600 million in drug related problems. The trauma that surrounds drug addiction is horrific and part of everyday life for those families. The best way to help an addict is to get them to understand what they are doing to themselves and those around them. Interventions are powerful tools in getting an addict to understand their plight. During that time, before, and after families should do their best to rid their homes, and from the addict’s possession, any and all drugs that they have. The harder families make it for their loved one addict to continue abusing drugs, the better their chances of getting him or her to accept is.
Interventions
Interventions are powerful tools that families, friends and co-workers can use to get their loved ones the help they need. Interventions are gatherings where family and friends of an addict come together to tell the addict about their addiction and how it is affecting them. The goal of the intervention is to get the addict to admit to their addictions and accept treatment. The importance of an intervention is to make it known that the addict’s addictive behavior and drug or alcohol abuse will no longer be tolerated by the family. The family will set boundaries and consequences for the addict. The family will also let the addict know that they will be as supportive as necessary if they are to accept treatment and enter a rehab center. There are several different types of techniques that families can use for an intervention; proper research can help a family choose what best suits them. During this time it would be a good idea to remove any and all drug or drug paraphernalia from your home, their home, cars, work, or friends places etc.
Hiding Places
It is quite astounding how dangerous and damaging drugs are to an individual, yet how incredibly strategic they can be to protect their drug abuse. Drug addicts are master manipulators that can have nearly anyone they want eating out of their hands. They can also come up with some pretty sophisticated hiding places for their stashes. Here are a few examples that can help you rid your or their homes of drugs or alcohol.
Batteries
Batteries are used to power just about everything we own that needs power. Some devices actually have power cords and battery slots. Those devices that have both create wonderful places for addicts to hide their stashes. The next time you are looking for drugs make sure you do not overlook lamps, radios, remotes, computers, power tools, or any other piece of equipment that has slots for batteries.
In the Back
Many families that search for drugs in their homes comb over every inch without finding anything, searching closets, drawers, cabinets, and clothing. Addicts have been known to tape drugs to the back and bottom of dresser drawers, inside of light switches and outlets, in clothing pockets, refrigerators, freezers, in old over the counter medicine bottles/containers, or other heavy furniture that will not be moved around.
Structure
Addicts become master craftsmen when it comes to the schematics of homes and when it comes to hiding their drugs. Families have found drugs on the inside ledges of closet trim, in the rafters of basements and ceilings, crawl spaces, toilet tanks, ceiling panels, window trim, and any other recess that could be found in homes.
Addicts can be crafty, but families must do everything they can to get them help. Removing drugs from the home and conducting interventions are a part of the plan to get them help. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction, speaking to a professional can help clarify the process to recovery for you.
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