Drug addiction is a problem that millions of Americans face every year. An addiction does not simply affect the individual abusing drug, but rather all those around them. Spouses, children, family, and communities can all feel the trauma that is caused by drug addiction. In most cases, it is the family that suffers considerably. The chaos of watching a loved one destroy their bodies, brains, and lives can tear families apart. Many families do not know what do to and feel helpless. An intervention is a meeting where family, friends, and coworkers confront the addict about their addiction. They let them know how much they care for the addict, what the addiction is doing to everyone, and what they want the addict to do. Interventions are a great way to get the addict to accept treatment. There are several misconceptions about interventions that families should know so they do not make any mistakes.
Waiting for Rock Bottom
The most common misconception about getting drug treatment is that it is necessary for addicts to hit rock bottom before they can successfully get treatment. First, no one knows exactly what rock bottom is for each individual. Therefore, families could be waiting longer than they should be waiting. The longer an addiction is allowed to carry on the more difficult it can be to recover. Families do not know whether or not rock bottom for their loved one will make it to rock bottom, because for some rock bottom is death. Families should hold an intervention once they have placed all elements of the intervention in order, no later.
Sobriety is Possible Only When an Addict is Strong Enough
Recovering from addiction can be very difficult. The mental, emotional, and physical changes that drugs and alcohol cause can be severe, which makes rehabilitation hard. An addict in recovery must be strong, but they have to also be focused and have a good support system. Many addicts require the help of someone else to achieve sobriety, which is why professional treatment is the best option for recovery. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction seeking professional help at a treatment center is the best option for recovery.
Rehab Does Not Work for Addicts Who Already Fail It
If someone leaves rehab and relapses, it does not mean they have failed. While addicts and treatment centers work to prevent relapse, it does happen. This does not mean they are doomed to be an addict for the rest of their lives. Instead, relapse means is that more treatment is required. Treatment centers often adjust and fix parts of treatment to better suit the patient’s needs. Treatment must always evolve and change to work against the complexities of drug addiction.
Addicts Will Sever Ties with Those in the Intervention
It is true that many addicts may feel differently about an individual who is accusing them of their drug addiction and wants them to change. These feelings are coping and defensive mechanisms that addicts use to justify their abuses. Individuals cannot predict the way an addict will react to the intervention, but regardless of the outcome getting those help is paramount. At some point they will realize that those involved had the best intentions in mind.
Interventions Should Be Staged When the Addict is High
This could not be further from the truth. Staging an intervention when an addict is under the influence is not only dangerous, but it is pointless. The addict will most likely not remember anything that happened; therefore, the event had no effect. It is hard to tell what an addict would do in the case of a normal intervention, if they are under the influence chances are they will not take it very well. There is a much higher risk of arguments and violence if the individual were under the influence of drugs.
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