Addiction can take a toll not only on the individual who is addicted to a substance but also on their loved ones. Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it also affects the person’s family and friends who are helpless to do anything but watch their loved one deteriorate before their eyes. That is where an addiction intervention comes in. An addiction intervention is a process that helps persuade someone with substance abuse problems to seek treatment. But, doing an intervention is no small task as it requires a thorough understanding of the addiction, the affected individual, and the unique struggle the addicted person is facing. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of addiction intervention, including who needs an intervention, the importance of seeking a professional interventionist, and how to prepare for an intervention.
Who needs an intervention?
Usually, if you are considering an intervention, it’s because you are concerned about a loved one’s dangerous behavior and their inability to stop. You may have noticed that your loved one has lost interest in things that were once important to them, and instead, they only seem to be preoccupied with their addiction. Isolation, frequent use, and dangerous behavior are other warning signs to look out for. You should also consider doing an intervention if your loved one has tried to quit in the past but failed. Remember, the ultimate goal of an addiction intervention is to get the person with the addiction into treatment.
Why seek a professional interventionist?
Involving a professional interventionist can be a game-changer in the process of getting your loved one into treatment. An interventionist is a trained professional who specializes in intervening with addicts to help them admit that they need help and take the first step toward recovery. Professional interventionists have experience working with families of addicts, and they know how to handle the emotions that come with interventions. They can also facilitate the process and ensure that everyone stays on track, and things don’t get sidetracked.
How to prepare for an intervention?
If the decision is made to move ahead with an intervention, then the next step is to prepare. Planning is crucial for a successful intervention. Start by gathering your loved one’s close friends and family, the people who matter in their lives. Before the intervention, everyone should understand the purpose of the intervention and be prepared to share how the addiction has affected them. A clear message needs to be delivered that you all love and care for your loved one, but their addiction is affecting them and others negatively. Choose a date and time that works for everyone, and make sure that the person you’re intervening with is surprised but not caught off guard.
During the intervention, keep it short and sweet, and stick to the main objective, which is to encourage your loved one to accept treatment. It’s important to remain calm, keep your emotions in check, and follow the interventionist’s guidelines. Remember, this is not an opportunity to lay blame on anyone but instead to come together and show support for your loved one.
In conclusion, an addiction intervention is a powerful tool that can help get someone you care about into addiction treatment. The decision to intervene should be taken with care, and the right people involved, such as a professional interventionist. Remember, the ultimate goal is your loved one’s recovery, so focus on that and do your best to remain calm and supportive during the process. With the right preparation, approach, and support of an interventionist, everyone involved can work together to help the addicted person get the help they need.
