Planning an Intervention to Help a Loved One Battle Drug Addiction? Here Are the Steps To Take

Helping a loved one overcome addiction can sometimes be a nightmare, especially if the individual does not acknowledge the problem. A simple one-on-one but friendly conversation can be an excellent kick-off to recovery. However, if the addiction advances and the victim still does not see the problem, it would necessitate a more focused approach. You may consider joining hands with a team to pursue an intervention.

People struggle with various types of addictions, including alcoholism, compulsive gambling, compulsive eating, and street drug abuse. This step-by-step guide will help you learn more about intervening with your loved one battling addiction to take drug addiction treatment.

Make a Plan

A close family or friend concerned about the wellbeing of the addiction patient suggests intervention and creates a group of people to plan. The individual may feel betrayed and resentful towards the planner, hence refusing to seek drug addiction treatment. The intervention is a challenging course that can result in danger if you are not careful.

For your safety, please work with a psychiatrist or intervention professional. it is good to let the individual understand that it is good faith, but not before the action day. Alcohol rehabilitation centers are setup to cure your alcohol addiction with rightful steps.

Consult a Professional

Various addiction professionals with experience in drug addiction treatment can help you plan a successful intervention. You can choose to consult an interventionist, a certified drug addiction counselor, a social worker, or a psychiatrist. They will consider the patient’s circumstances, propose the most effective approach, and guide you on the best treatment plan and post-treatment follow-up. Professional treatment combined with inland detox at home, can help people take control of their lives, overcome their addiction, and stay sober for good.

While most interventions are done without a professional, some circumstances necessitate their presence during the actual intervention. For instance, if the patient has a past mental illness, violence, suicidal attempts, or is taking several mood-changing substances. The professional will assist you in keeping on track. They might also prove to be helpful if you fear your loved one may turn violent or self-destructive.

Form a Team

You cannot handle intervention personally. The planning team will create another one that will conduct the actual intervention. The team will coordinate to set a date and location for the meeting. The team’s main aim is to maintain the discussion focused on facts regarding the particular problem in general and common solutions. They usually avoid solid emotional reactions during meetings.

However, it is crucial to keep your loved one unaware of your dealings until the intervention day.

Let the Team Rehearse

It is essential to attend the intervention meeting prepared and well equipped with information. The topic of drug addiction often raises emotions among many people. Rehearsing together ensures that you approach the problem with a common goal and one voice. Collect relevant information regarding the abused substance, its impacts, addiction, treatment, and possible recovery.

It will help if each team member has something to say during the meeting. In addition, rehearsing will help the team save time and avoid blaming the patient or falling into self-pity. Finally, it is vital to be orderly during intervention; let each member understand when to speak and when to bequeath the floor.

The Bottom Line

As you plan intervention, it is good to keep in mind that not all succeed; prepare yourself psychologically and hope for the best. Your loved one may turn down help and even accuse you of being unfair. While you cannot control their behavior, you can do everything you can to try to help.

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