Many people have heard of the term intervention or seen such dramas play out on various reality television shows. That said, a significant percentage of said individuals would not know the first thing about organizing such an event or understand the important nuances necessary to yield successful outcomes.
Intervention Overview
In its simplest definition, an intervention is a gathering at which the concerned relatives or other close association of an addict meet to try and convince said subject to seek help addressing their dependency.
Types
There are several different types of interventions. The one a group or individual chooses to employ will depend on several different factors, most notably the dependency’s severity and how long said addiction has persisted. Specifically, strategies employed may include:
Classic
This is the most dramatically depicted event. Typically, prominent members of the dependent’s familial, social, or professional circles meet in a designated location and make a desperate plea to get the addict to seek help for their problem.
In many instances, the gathering is moderated by a professional interventionist or drug treatment specialist. Moreover, these efforts are usually employed in situations where the addict’s life is in danger.
Individual
When the addiction is relatively new and not especially severe yet, a close relation like a parent or sibling might attempt to meet with the reliant subject on a one-to-one basis in an effort to help bring the problem to light and make the individual in question realize a proactive stance is necessary to conquer it.
Family System
Unfortunately, in a discernible percentage of families, more than one member suffers from addiction. Under such circumstances, family system interventions in which said subjects are encouraged to recognize their problem and ultimately show a willingness to address these concerns simultaneously.
Circumstances Warranting Immediate Intervention
Any chemical dependency is serious and the afflicted subject should be encouraged to stop. However, there are specific circumstances addiction treatment professionals believe take precedent and should be viewed as high priority and excessively heightened risk occasions.
In response, an addict’s loved ones are implored to pay close attention to concerns like:
Isolation
Chemical dependents often exist in their own world and cope with stressors and emotions non-addicts could not comprehend. Therefore, they may experience burgeoning episodes of isolation.
Appearance Changes
Deep dependencies render addicts to only consider meeting their next fix. This often means most other aspects of said subject’s life suffer. In an appreciable number of cases, this lack of personal care or attention manifests in a disheveled, dirty, and sickly appearance.
Overly Expressive Emotions
Various addictive substances can elicit a wide array of emotional responses. Said reactions might include:
- Upset
- Euphoria
- Introspection
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Depression
Moreover, addicts may experience fits of anger and rage. In the most severe instances, said outbursts could place themselves or those around them in peril.
Financial Problems
Typically, drug addiction is not an inexpensive vice. Ergo, those with significant dependencies must spend prodigious amounts of money on securing enough of a given substance to satisfy associated cravings. Over time, funds will be depleted and the families of said subjects might notice that addicts ask to borrow money more often or even resort to stealing.
Mental Discord
As addiction grows more pronounced, a dependent’s mental clarity often grows clouded. Said individuals might forget important dates like birthdays or anniversaries or not recall how to execute even the simplest of tasks.
Others Express Concern
Oftentimes, when a loved one’s reliance on drugs progresses, others will begin to take notice and might express the desire to take aggressive action. Therefore, if one is not alone in their concern, the addict likely needs swift and strong intervention.
Keys To A Successful Intervention
Interventions require significant planning and effort. Moreover, merely organizing said event does not necessarily guarantee a happy ending. One can never overstate the fact that the decision to seek treatment ultimately lies with the dependent. They and they alone must recognize they need help and be willing to take whatever steps are needed to obtain it.
That said, planners might increase the chances of fostering favorable outcomes by engaging in actions such as:
- Carefully choosing the participants
- Not demonstrating aggressiveness or antagonism
- Holding the event in a comfortable, unassuming location
- Enlisting the assistance of a professional interventionist
- Always remaining positive
Above all, the team should have the treatment plan secure. If the subject in question agrees to get help, an established plan at a reputable inpatient facility should already be in place.
Contacting Us
Intervention is never an easy event to plan or partake in. The good news is that it is never to late to help an addict. Where there is life, hope exists. In recognition of this fact, our renowned facility is well-versed in organizing such events and producing optimal outcomes. Please contact us today at 614-705-0611.