Addiction is a debilitating sickness impacting both the dependent and their families. In many instances, an addict’s close associations must employ drastic measures in an attempt to convince their loved ones to seek help. One such event is known as an intervention.
Definition Of Intervention
The act of intervention is loosely defined as an attempt to halt the outcome of a specific event or behavior with designs on preventing harm. From the standpoint of drug treatment, said process is undertaken to stop a substance dependent’s addiction from causing them any further peril or possibly even prevent their demise.
Confirming The Problem
Interventions are often dramatically depicted on television and other media outlets. That said, these events are typically well-planned and involve the completion of several critical steps. Addiction specialists and interventionists maintain that the first crucial stage involves confirming the problem.
To determine if a dependent requires intervention, industry professionals urge the close associations of said subjects to address the following issues:
- Do they possess a high tolerance for their substance of choice
- Are they under the influence frequently including appropriate settings like formal professional and social gatherings
- Are they experiencing significant financial or legal troubles resulting from their dependency
- Does their mood or behavior undergo adverse alterations when using a given drug
Above all, addiction specialists caution a dependent’s relations to look out for specific behaviors common to addicts, such as lying, stealing, and trying to hide any evidence of their problem.
Orchestrating The Process
If the answer to all or most of the preceding inquiries is yes, intervention would most likely be indicated. That said, such an event cannot recklessly be thrown together. The best planned events, in addition to those producing intended outcomes often necessitate steps including:
Consultation With Experienced Interventionist
Intervention specialists are well-versed in planning these gatherings and can help those planning to attend iron out the logistics. Several candidates should be interviewed and asked about their methods, success rates, and the type of training they have received.
Choosing The Participants
Few steps bear greater importance than choosing the participants. In many instances, such individuals will be close family members, including parents, spouses, significant others, children, and siblings.
That said, no rule dictates that participants must be limited to immediate kinfolk. An appreciable number of successful interventions have included subjects, such as the dependent’s close friends, co-workers, and social acquaintances. The only major qualifications an attendee should hold is a strong relationship with the person in question and an intense desire to see them overcome their struggles.
Designate The Location
An occasionally overlooked but paramount decision centers around the event’s venue. Certain notable considerations should go into rendering this decision.
The location should be large enough to comfortably accommodate all the principle parties. However, the site should also be an environment in which the dependent would not feel threatened or intimidated.
Moreover, the setting should never betray the aims. When held in certain locations like a doctor’s office, addicts might suspect something is afoot and fail to attend. Ergo, the event should be arranged in venues least likely to arouse any suspicions. Interventionists can offer suitable suggestions.
Rehearsing The Script
Interventions carry the potential to be emotionally trying, conjure various negative emotions, and precipitate difficult conversations. Therefore, attendees are strongly encouraged to formulate a script and rehearse their roles several times in advance of the event.
Important Considerations
Interventionists caution participants to keep specific important issues in mind.
First, during the actual event, participants should be firm but not confrontational or accusatory. One must remember the intended goal is to convince the subject under scrutiny to seek professional assistance. Said aim will more likely be achieved by being supportive rather than combative.
Above all, however, the ultimate decision rests with the dependent. Forcing one to seek help often precipitates counterproductive outcomes. Interventions are designed to be an eyeopening event illustrating to the addict in question the impact their actions have had on the ones who love them and themselves.
Reaching Out To Us
If you and your loved ones wish to consider planning an intervention for a dependent relative, we want to help. Our southern Florida-based facility employs experienced interventionists holding a proven track record in helping convince addicts to seek treatment. Give us a call at 866-963-7200