Families and individuals suffering with substance abuse and addiction issues live through a continuing cycle of chaos and turmoil. Families of drug addicts suffer significant pain and heartache as they have to sit back and watch a family member destroy their lives. Getting an addict to accept drug treatment is incredibly difficult, but it is not impossible. Loved ones of drug addicts are encouraged to never give up on the addict, while at the same time not enabling the addiction. Many individuals find that conducting interventions are a successful way of getting over the hurdle of making the addict sees their problem. There are several different types of interventions. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses. The success of the intervention is dependent on the preparation of those conducting it and the addict. Addiction is incredibly fickle and has yet to be fully understood. This makes it significantly difficult to know what is going to help a specific addict. One tactic can help one addict, while pushing another further into addiction.
When to Use an Intervention
When a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, time is of the essence. Addiction is a progressive problem that must be handled quickly. Those who are in contact with addicts are encouraged to push them towards rehabilitation. Any chance that a loved one can show an addict how their life could be without drugs, should be used wisely. When an addict complains about the way their life is, which is guaranteed to happen, friends and family can steer the conversation towards drug rehab. These conversations should never be arguments or seem as though the individual is being confronted. If these conversations do not result in the addict getting drug treatment, then an intervention is necessary.
Conducting an Intervention
When a family or friends believe they should host an intervention for a drug addicted family member research and preparation are pivotal. Professional interventionalists are available to family and friends who wish to hold and intervention. The time, place, and atmosphere are essential parts to a successful intervention. The addict should never feel threatened by the intervention. Instead, they should feel cared for. Families and friends must come from a stance of fear for their health. All those involved in the intervention should be mature enough to handle the situation and contribute competently. The culmination of the intervention should involve taking the addict to a treatment center. Whether they are willing to accept drug treatment or not they must understand how life is going be from that point on. The addict will be told what their new boundaries and the consequences of their actions. Family and friends will no longer enable the addiction and preach ‘tough-love’. They should always be available to help the addict, but not to enable. They should understand the difference between caring for the addict and taking care of the addict.
Drug Intervention Programs vs. Family Interventions
Drug intervention programs are comprehensive programs that give addicts the tools they need to take control of their lives and prepare them to live a happy and healthy drug-free life. Family interventions are drug interventions that are conducted by the family of the addict. Family interventions can utilize the resources provided by drug treatment interventions, but is not necessary. For the best possible outcome families should use every resource that is available to them. Creating the best atmosphere for intervention and rehabilitation should be everyone’s goal. Therefore, the experience and effectiveness of professionals should be utilized in any intervention and treatment program. Individuals dealing with addiction or an addicted loved one must understand they are not alone in their struggles.
Leave a Reply