Addiction can damage the lives of the addict as well as those around them. Drug and alcohol abuse can tear families apart and leave lives in ruins.
If your loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, you may be wondering how you can help. In many cases, talking to the person may not yield the results you hope for. This is because many people struggling with addiction live in a state of denial about the extent of their addiction. An early intervention can be key in helping your addicted loved one.
You may have heard about interventions and how they can be successful in getting people to admit they need help. An intervention is a staged gathering with friends and family in an attempt to convince the addict to get the help they need.
When planning your intervention, you may want to have a doctor or interventionist present to help guide the process, have personal, non-attacking letters to your loved one, a plan of action for treatment and an ultimatum should your loved one reject the offer of getting help. Being prepared for the intervention is important in getting the person to see how much their addiction is affecting themselves and those around them.
Signs for When It’s Time for an Intervention
The following are top signs to know when it’s time for an intervention.
Health Effects
Addiction can cause serious health risks to the individual who is addicted. If you have noticed a decline in your loved one’s health, it is time to stage an intervention. Many people who suffer from drug and alcohol abuse live in denial about the affects of their addiction. While they may suffer from a variety of health conditions they may never admit that these issues are cause by their substance abuse. During the intervention, you can address their health issues and how recovery can help them heal.
Effects on the Family and Finances
When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, those around them are always negatively affected. Children living in a home with an addicted parent often suffer from abuse, neglect, or feelings of guilt and anger. Marriages are often ended due to one party being addicted to drugs and alcohol. The financial burden from addiction can also take a great toll on the family.
Legal Trouble
Many people do not realize the extent of their addiction until they are arrested for a DUI or possession charges. If your loved one has faced charges for drug or alcohol related offenses, it is time to get them into an addiction treatment program. Many people who struggle with addiction fail to put the blame on their substance abuse. Staging and intervention will allow you to gather all of their friends and family members and be open and honest (yet non-attacking) about your feelings. This may be just the push your loved one needs to finally get the needed treatment.
Having an Intervention Plan In Place
Before you organize the intervention meeting it is important that you have a plan in place. You will need to know exactly what problems you want to address and practice saying them without anger in your voice. Raising your voice and being accusatory toward the person suffering with addiction will only serve to push them further away. You may wish to have an interventionist present in case the situation was to get out of hand.
Have a plan of action (an ultimatum) if your loved one refuses treatment and be prepared to stick with it. Have a treatment plan in place so that they may be admitted immediately after the intervention, if they agree.
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