Drug and Alcohol Intervention

If someone you love is hurting himself or herself – and those around him or her – with alcohol or drug use, you don’t need to just stand back and watch the destruction. It might be time to consider a professional intervention – alcohol intervention / drug intervention.

What is Drug Intervention or Alcohol Intervention

The goal of an intervention is to get your family member or friend into a treatment program. Interventions can be organized for anyone struggling with an alcohol problem or abusing drugs. Ideally, it’s not a confrontational experience but a rallying cry of concern and compassion for the addict’s well-being.

Interventions are appropriate for those who can’t admit they have a substance or alcohol abuse problem as well as those who have never received abuse treatment. The intervention process may also be a good choice for addicts with additional challenges, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. It’s also an ideal technique for addicts whose behavior has produced tangible and damaging consequences, such as a car accident or job loss.

    Read more here on → Substance Abuse, Addiction and Alcoholism

How to Find and Hire a Professional Interventionist

First, look for a professional interventionist with the know-how to guide you and your loved one down this challenging path. These specialists will lead the intervention process, educate participants, and ensure that everyone knows what to expect from the meeting.

When hiring an interventionist, look for someone with expertise in your loved one’s area of addiction. Also be sure to ask for his or her success rate as well as information about relevant training they’ve received. These professionals likely have advanced degrees in psychology, addiction counseling, social work, or theology. They may also hold a certificate in dependency counseling.

While some of these professionals work independently, others are affiliated with a rehabilitation center. Don’t hesitate to ask a local treatment center to refer a qualified interventionist.

Intervention Team

Team members should include people the addict loves or respects, such as friends, colleagues, coaches, or clergy. Don’t include people the patient doesn’t like or disrespects, as this will only fuel his or her resistance. You may also want to avoid including family members or friends who might sabotage the intervention or who won’t be able to cut off ties – either emotional or financial – should the addict refuse treatment.

How To Stage A Drug Or Alcohol Intervention: Planning and Implementation

The first step in any intervention is good planning. The interventionist will take time to develop an effective intervention plan. Every person who participates should plan to meet or speak with the interventionist at least once. This professional will educate you and other participants about addiction as well as the intervention process. He or she will also help participants create statements they will share with the addict during the intervention.

After the planning stage, it’s time for the intervention. Meeting at a pre-determined place, each member of the team will read the statement they’ve prepared. In it, they will express their love and concern for the addict in a non-judgmental way. With the interventionist’s guidance, family and friends will encourage the addict to desire change in his or her life.

Each statement should mention the future consequences of continued abuse. For instance, a spouse might say, “I can’t stay in this relationship while you continue to use.” You’ll know the intervention is successful when the addict chooses to go directly into a treatment program.

What to Do If Intervention Fails

Most of organized interventions result in the patient entering a treatment program. However, when it’s clear the addict will not choose treatment, the intervention ends and family and friends enter what’s called the “tough love” phase. During this time the addict must experience the consequences of his or her decision to avoid treatment.

How Much Does an Intervention Cost

Interventionists charge a wide range of fees. Just as you would when hiring any professional, make sure you understand all costs involved. For example, does he or she charge one flat rate? Perhaps the interventionist charges for each individual service. Ask if there a fee to escort your loved one to the treatment center.

Although cost is a concern for many families, please remember that your ultimate goal is to save the life of your loved one. Money spent on a professional interventionist is not a waste; rather it’s an investment towards a healthy future for the person you love.

Conclusion

Regardless of your loved one’s drug of choice – alcohol, heroin, prescription meds, etc. – an interventionist can guide him or her into an effective treatment program. If someone in your life is endangering himself or others as a result of substance abuse, don’t wait any longer. Contact a professional interventionist, and get your loved one the rehabilitation he or she deserves.

    Read more here on → Substance Abuse, Addiction and Alcoholism