INTERVENTION
There are situations where an individual with a serious addiction is unwilling or unable to admit to the problem. Perhaps the person has attempted to stop using in the past and failed, or feels he or she is a “hopeless case.” For some, the self-will underlying the addictive nature is so strong that the addict continues to use drugs without any consideration for the destruction this brings about for him or herself, or for others who care deeply for the addict.
Drug addiction never gets better on its own. To recover, the addict must make a conscious decision to stop using, and undertake a course of action to change the thinking and behavior surrounding his or her addiction.
The alternatives are almost too depressing to mention: countless drug addicts die of overdoses, diseases spread among IV drug users, accidents (which may or may not include taking the lives of others), or suicide. Those who escape these horrific consequences may still find themselves institutionalized or incarcerated.
In these extreme situations, the only hope for the addict may be intervention. This is a process conducted under the supervision of a trained professional, where the addict and those who care for him or her meet for a discussion of the addict’s behavior.
First, the addict’s circle of friends and family will gather to plan what will be said and done during the meeting with the addict. The interventionist will explain how each person might address the effect the addict’s behavior has had on their individual relationships. They will also ask the addict to take concrete steps to change that behavior. These conversations are conducted in a calm, loving and supportive manner. Part of the interventionist’s job will be to moderate these exchanges throughout the meeting with the addict.
Plans are made to find the addict an available place in a treatment center. The ideal outcome of the intervention will be the addict committing to the treatment program.
When the actual intervention meeting takes place, and after all the addict’s family members and friends have presented their feelings, the interventionist will ask the addict if he or she is willing to take the steps the family has requested. The ultimatum is presented: if he or she isn’t willing to commit to this plan of action, the addict’s relationship with the family will undergo immediate changes. The negative behavior of the addict will no longer be tolerated.
Depending on the circumstances, the family’s financial support of the addict will be withdrawn, or the locks on the family home will be replaced. In short, pressure is applied to encourage the addict that those who care about him or her expect serious and immediate action.
By nature, addicts tend to be manipulative. It’s not unusual for an addict in this situation to make great promises of change, while simultaneously presenting several reasons why it can’t be done immediately. The interventionist is experienced in dealing with these excuses, and can usually get through the addict’s defenses to make the stakes clear.
Without effective treatment, the addict’s family and friends are all too aware of what might happen. They see a long period of pain and suffering—even death—in the addict’s future. To them, nothing can be more important than addressing the addiction immediately.
In the hands of a professional interventionist, the addict will be more likely to accept the terms of the intervention. With plans already in place, the addict is brought to the waiting treatment center. He or she will be in the most beneficial surroundings, with every hope of conquering addiction and achieving recovery.
The decision to plan an intervention is a serious one, and it must be made with the family’s full support and cooperation. Only then will the process have all the necessary components to leverage the addict’s desire to overcome the power of addiction.
The skills of the interventionist are critically important to the outcome. To find a professional with the training and experience to help the person you care about, call us at (800) 344-8794. We can make referrals to interventionists all across the country, as well as to local treatment centers that can provide the services the addict in your life will need to begin to build the foundation for solid recovery.