Intervention

Drug and Alcohol Intervention: A Direct Attack on Addiction

An Intervention is a therapeutic, solution-based orchestration by family and friends to help persuade an individual to seek help for their drug and/or alcohol problem.  The purpose of an intervention is to help the seemingly blind addict come to terms with the facts of their life and of their addiction – that they are sick and in need of assistance. The ideal outcome is that the afflicted individual acknowledges the harmful lifestyle they are partaking in and accepts that they need outside help – whether that is treatment, rehabilitation, or entrance in a 12 Step program.

When is an intervention the appropriate solution?  Is it necessary?

It is important to understand that the intended affect of an intervention can be missed if it is not conducted in an appropriate and safe manner; that is why it is highly recommended that you find the assistance of professionals who can help guide the entire process. What can happen is that person can feel as they are being attacked and this will trigger the natural fight-or-flight response in the person. This can result in the addict shutting down or isolating his or her self. This prevents them from receiving the help that they need. An intervention that is effective will help the addict accept responsibility for their addiction and dangerous behaviors and they will see the intervention as an opportunity of help rather than as a confrontation.

Most often drug addicts and alcoholics are unable to see the deep decline in their own lives and do not recognize the dire straits that they are in. They are in denial of the hazardous behaviors they are participating in and the problems (physical and mental health, driving under the influence, financial struggle, broken relationships, etc.) that plague them. They will most likely point the finger at everything and everyone but themselves as being the problem. However, with the use of an intervention, the blinders over their eyes can be removed and their perception can be adjusted back to reality.  Through the intervention they will be able to see the detrimental effects of their addiction and the effect on their loved ones. Once this is accomplished the person will be more likely to accept the help that is being offered and enter into some form of treatment.

What happens after the intervention?

After a successfully orchestrated intervention, the individual will be willing to enter a drug treatment facility, a rehab, or a sober living – depending on the degree of addiction and personal circumstance of the individual.  A plan of immediate action is crucial to the recovery of the person and an interventionist will help you create one. After the intervention, the interventionist will assist you and your family in following the best treatment strategy that is tailored for the person; most often arrangements will have already been made so what will follow is simply helping the person pack their bags and make their way on the road to recovery.

What happens if the intervention isn’t successful?

Even if an individual decides to not receive treatment, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the intervention was a waste of time. In the case that the intervention didn’t go as planned, not all is lost. Traditionally, those participating in the intervention will, with the support of the interventionist, declare that they will no longer tolerate the negative behaviors of the addict and that they will be there for them when they are ready to receive help. The participants will continue to receive encouragement and support to follow through with their resolution from the interventionists; it is just as important that the participants receive help and support, as does the addict. The message delivered in the intervention will most often plant a seed in the individual that can sprout in the future; the person that the intervention was performed on will know that help exists for them and that they have people who are willing to guide them on the path to get better.

Where do I go for help? Where can I find an interventionist?

Drug Treatment U.S. can connect you with an interventionists who will be able to comprehensively help you organize and orchestrate an intervention. We want to lend our expertise to help you find an appropriate interventionist who will develop an applicable and effective intervention strategy that is suited specifically for your loved one’s circumstances. We understand the hardships associated with addiction for both the addict and their loved ones and we want to ease that pain and help everyone achieve healthy living. If you have any questions or concerns regarding an intervention, treatment, recovery, or addiction, please give us a call at: (888) 357-7577.