A drug abuse intervention is counseling that is designed to help an addict develop the resolve to seek substance addiction treatment. Addiction intervention can be used in any kind of addiction, whether it is an eating disorder, substance abuse problem or gambling addiction. Drug abuse intervention can be very helpful if it is done properly. During an intervention session, the family and others close to the addict gather in a place where they express their love and support for the addict. This will achieve good results if it is handled by a professional interventionist. This process can often take some time before bearing fruit. The addict may resist at the beginning of the process, but may later be motivated to focus on recovery.
The Intervention Plan – An addict may seem to have become a shell of their old self when a drug problem has gotten out of hand. They may adopt new behaviors such as lying and stealing in an effort to maintain the drug habit. The idea of an intervention is first offered to those close to the addict. It can sometimes be important not to let one’s personal biases interfere with the process of intervention: While family members and close friends may not approve of one of the drug abuser’s new friends for one reason or another, be careful not to leave that friend out of the process. Attempting to cut the addict off from his milieu may cause them to distrust the process and all those involved.
The people whose opinion the addict values should be included in the process of drug abuse intervention. During the whole process of planning the intervention, the addict should not be informed. If they are allowed to know of the plan, they may seek ways to avoid the planned confrontation by either running away or hiding.
Seeking an Interventionist
The intervention will most likely be successful if it includes the services of a professional interventionist. You can engage the services of an interventionist by making enquiries at rehab facilities in your area. You can also call the Nationwide Intervention Assistance program. Prior to the intervention, the interventionist may gather the family members for a dress rehearsal of the intervention.
Together you can choose a rehab facility that will be used to treat the addict after the intervention. This pre-intervention session is intended to prepare those who will take part in helping the loved one. Each of those selected to be in the group should express their feelings about the addict’s behavior while using drugs. Care should be taken not to heap blame for the addiction on the victim. Instead, it is important to show concern, support and love for the addict. The most difficult part of the intervention is when the addict’s family has to give an ultimatum. This is a threat of withdrawal of some privileges that the addict has been enjoying unless they agree to face their problems and go for rehabilitation.
Though it can be difficult, this part of the intervention may be the turning point in the addict’s life. This process helps the addict to see that their actions have some damaging consequences, not only for themselves, but for people they care about.