Interventions for drug and alcohol addiction and substance abuse, in general, are the number one best way by far to help an addicted family member or loved one come to the realization that they need to address their substance abuse crisis and do something about it. This tool, the tool of intervention, is best utilized during the holidays too, as it is during this time of the year that families are the closest and that emotions tend to run the strongest.
For better or for worse, the holidays are the most likely time that a family will have a confrontation with an addicted loved one about their substance abuse. It is during this time of year that family members have the most exposure to each other, and it is also the time of the year that family members and loved ones are likely to really realize that one of their loved ones actually does have a pretty severe addiction problem.
This makes the holidays the best chance that a family has for intervening. The holidays are furthermore an excellent time for rehabilitation because:
- There is usually a large gathering of the family members and loved ones of an addict, all of which culminates in there being more family members available to help out with the entire situation.
- The holidays tend to be a more emotional and loving time to begin with. During this time period, family members and loved ones of addicts have the greatest proclivity for closeness and warmth. It is naturally the best time of the year to open up and share sentiments and concerns that might have gone unvoiced before.
- The holidays, in the spirit of giving and in the emotion of love, is the time of year when an addict has the best chance for saying yes to treatment, and for agreeing to go to treatment.
- The holidays have a tendency to also bring out the worst in an addict. The holidays are a tough time for any drug or alcohol user, as it is usually during this time that substance abusers use and abuse the most drugs and alcohol. For this reason, they are more likely to overdose or hit rock bottom, both of which occurrences make an intervention a very realistic proposition.
- The holidays are a prime time of the year for relapse. If a family member or loved one has been trying to kick their substance abuse problem but has not been succeeding, then this time of the year is the best time to tackle the issue with them.
- This time of year has the greatest tendency for addicts to want to turn over a new leaf and make a positive change in it. This time of the year is quite well known for addicts making new decisions and bringing about positive change and a new scenario in their lives, so for that reason, the end of any year is a perfect time to stage an intervention.
Using the Holidays as a Time for an Intervention
The goal when dealing with a family member or loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol is to try and get them into and through an inpatient rehabilitation program as soon as is possible. With an intervention, family members can come together in the holiday spirit and confront their addicted loved one on the subject of his or her substance abuse crisis.
Family members can keep working at it too. Just because an addict says no doesn’t mean that the family should give up by any means at all. In fact, sometimes a no is just a stalling. Family members can try again at a later time and make a more concerted attempt at getting the addicted family member into and through rehabilitation.
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