There was a time when allowing an addicted person to “hit their bottom” was the school of thought. That they would eventually seek help if circumstances surrounding their abuse got bad enough. The cost the addict is very high they have many severe consequences such as; loss of employment, health problems, separation from family, and legal issues. Gone are the days when hoping he would realize on his own and enter rehab or find another way to change his destructive lifestyle. In the past loved ones, employers and friends would hopelessly watch the addict in their lives completely change from the person they once knew. As the medical community has learned more over the years and come to better understand that addiction is a disease and not a “lifestyle choice”. More focus has been paid to aid those afflicted with dependency on drugs or alcohol rather than punishing them. We are better educated with more tools that can help the addict than just allowing them to suffer the consequences of their destructive behavior on their own isolated from family and friends.

History Of Intervention

The concept of the family taking an initiative to campaign to intervene in a loved one’s compulsive destructive habits was first established in the 1970’s by Dr. Vernon Johnson. Much like techniques made use of by huge companies aiding workers to get involved in therapy, he mounted his strategy around the presentation of clear issues relating to the damages from alcohol and drugs. A great number of breakthroughs in the original technique of interventions have advanced since then. To a small degree in 1986, however, particularly in 1987 the specific expression of love and concern as a basic necessity to the process was more widely recognized in in the professional text. Since then, many writers have actually echoed the procedure include the family members expression of there extensive love as well as care. However, some counselors put little emphasis on this important ingredient. Out-of-town counselors providing overnight services are unable to sustain the advancements of the deep and long-lasting expression of love adequate to go beyond the minute; hence relapse and also terminating treatment are much more common. Research has added to enhancing intervention by two significant means. First, some research has actually been done showing which strategies work. Various other studies of effective decision-making, interaction for persuasion, and circumstantial changes have helped grow these concepts and help the addicted person to make the hard decision to enter into treatment.  Thus, we understand both approaches to intervention can be equally effective regardless of which technique is used. All of the education and research has increased the knowledge we have no need to rely on waiting around for the problem to work itself out. We can now help family members and friends an effective way to focus their love and affection to help their loved one get help for their destructive behavior before it’s too late. Without blame or attacking the addict each person affected by their addiction will express what is on the heart, and encourage him to seek the help he so desperately needs. One of the essential components is the joint connection between the counselor as well as the household of the addict

Though the therapist is a professional in what works, the family has the know-how regarding their loved one and the specifics of the dynamics of their relationships and behaviors. Working together with the family and the therapist design unique approach to the needs of the individual as well as the entire family’s needs. From here, numerous adaptations of the conventional techniques are taken into consideration such as the history surrounding the user’s addiction, not confronting the addict about his drug use directly and most importantly the family’s history of substance abuse and how the dynamics of the household works. The elements surrounding the family is extremely important in helping further the successful intervention of the addicted person. In mostly all cases when working with a professional interventionist the recipient enters into treatment. In unusual cases, they may go days, weeks, or up to several months later on. In all instances, the procedure achieves success in supporting the friends and family in caring for their needs in the relationship, and also, this is the most significant consider the individual seeking treatment. We support the family until the individual remains in treatment as well as typically continue to collaborate with the family members supporting healing.

How Do I Know If My Loved One Needs Help?

Though the therapist is a professional in what works, the family has the know-how regarding their loved one and the specifics of the dynamics of their relationships and behaviors. Working together with the family and the therapist design unique approach to the needs of the individual as well as the entire family’s needs. From here, numerous adaptations of the conventional techniques are taken into consideration such as the history surrounding the user’s addiction, not confronting the addict about his drug use directly and most importantly the family’s history of substance abuse and how the dynamics of the household works. The elements surrounding the family is extremely important in helping further the successful intervention of the addicted person. In mostly all cases when working with a professional interventionist the recipient enters into treatment. In unusual cases, they may go days, weeks, or up to several months later on. In all instances, the procedure achieves success in supporting the friends and family in caring for their needs in the relationship, and also, this is the most significant consider the individual seeking treatment. We support the family until the individual remains in treatment as well as typically continue to collaborate with the family members supporting healing.

It can be tough to approach a person having a problem with dependency. Although loved ones mean well they may they may not know exactly what to say or do. The family and friends of the alcoholic or addict often times feel powerless and hopeless. Often attempts are made by the loved to speak with the addicted person about their drug or alcohol use are met with rejection that they even have a problem. This can make the conversation a lot more challenging.

Exterior indicators somebody is having a hard time might consist of:

  • Secretive Habits

  • Obtaining loans(money issue)

  • Hostile actions

  • Haggard appearance

  • Haggard appearance

  • Tardiness to work, no call no show

  • Lack of energy or motivation

  • Distance from family

  • Change of friends (no friends, isolation)

  • Weight loss

  • Legal issues

Lots of people with addiction battle many other issues, like depression as well as eating disorders. If you suspect your loved one is using drugs or alcohol call a professional interventionist and get an assessment today.

What Does An Intervention Specialist Do?

Addiction splits households apart. It wears down to trust, damages partnerships, hurts the children living in the home and can affect the family’s financial stability. Even the most well-educated relative could come to be a major part of how the addict continues to use. Loved ones, employers all can be a huge part of the problem by continuing to enable the individual with the means they need to continue their destructive behavior.

Enabling Behaviors Include:

  • Are you making decisions based on fear of “what if” the person may do or not do?
  • Are you often resentful of time spent covering up and taken care of the person addicted?
  • Are you turning a blind eye to awful behavior?
  • Is taking care of your own responsibilities last on the list?
  • Are you unable to be honest with yourself or others about how you are feeling?
  • Have you ever lied to help the person get out of a jam?
  • Are you blaming others for the problems created by the person who is responsible?
  • Are you continuing to do the same behavior to help this person expecting new results?

Can you answer yes to any one of these questions? If you can you may be an enabler and when your loved one is in treatment it is important you also get involved in the process to heal yourself and that of the entire household. If the individual is not receiving help, you can seek help through one on one counseling, and through support groups such as Al-Anon or Coda. Both of these groups are a free and anonymous program designed to aid individuals who think they may be enabling or in a destructive partnership gain knowledge of the disease of addiction and how it relates to them. They will gain understand and find a way to get out of this damaging relationship or be a positive influence and turn things around for themselves as well as the addicted person. As you can see the disease of addiction runs through the entire family no matter how well-intentioned they may be. That is why the role of a Professional Interventionist is key in getting our loved ones into treatment. The main goal of an interventionist is to permanently get the individual suffering into treatment for good so the may have success and a positive new outlook on life abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Once you have reached out to the interventionist to get an initial consultation and assessment of the circumstances of your loved one’s situations so they can identify their specific needs. They will collect information a history of the addict’s behavior, mental or health issues. First, the interventionist will have a sit down with the key players in the family to prepare them for the intervention process. The addicted loved one will not be included. The professional interventionist will guide the family members how to stay on track and not be deterred by the behavior of the addict. Having an expert available can truly help the situation. Often treatments are carried out without an intervention expert, however having professional assistance may be more effective. In some cases, the intervention happens at the expert’s office. It may be particularly vital to have the expert participate in the intervention to keep focused especially if your loved has any of these issues listed:

  • Maybe taking numerous mood-altering substances.
  • Has a background in violence.
  • Has a background with a significant mental disease.
  • Has revealed suicidal behavior in the past or has a background of self-harming.

Interventions with experts are extremely important if you are concerned about your well being or theirs during the process. Interventions can be successful when an expert is involved in the entire process. It has been reported that over 90% of people seek treatment after an intervention when an expert is involved. In some cases, the individual may refuse to commit to treatment at the time of the intervention and later down the road ask for help.

What To Expect In An Intervention

Drug and alcohol interventionist have to major focuses when doing an intervention. Helping the addict or alcoholic to make a decision and commit to getting help in treatment. Also, help the household:

  1. Make the necessary preparations for the intervention.
  2. Stage the intervention (in the expert’s office) or (at home of a family member).
  3. Have an understanding of just what to do (and also refrain from doing) during the intervention.
  4. Educate the family about addiction, treatment, and the whole recovery process.
  5. Encourage family and loved ones to go to organizations such as Alanon and Ala teen that aids families and friends affected by the alcoholic or drug addict
  6. Understand what the do’s and don’ts when your loved one leaves treatment.

What Do I Say In An Intervention?

The treatment letter relates to the planning phase of the intervention. throughout the preparation stage, each member of the group will compose a letter that reflects their worries and makes treatment available for the addict or alcoholic. Each person will have an opportunity to read their letter throughout the intervention. This keeps the family on track and keeps the focus on the addiction without blaming the individual, therefore turning them off to treatment. Loved ones must come together and remain strong during the intervention, addicts will say anything to try and persuade or guilt you into seeing things their way.

Here are some helpful tips for writing your intervention letter:

  •  Because of the high emotions that can come up in the interventionist can be challenging for the individual to remain on track. A letter supplies a point of focus and also assists to ground the person.

 

  • It will help avoid the person from becoming frozen or speechless.The letter will have the tone that was attained an extra kicked backed state of mind. In spite of how a person may really feel throughout the intervention, the encouraging positive tone of the letter will come via when it’s being read out loud.

 

  • Generally, the intervention specialist will have the group read their letters out loud in a practice session to get some feedback, which could aid in making some changes that might otherwise provoke the alcoholic or addict during the intervention. Everyone in the intervention needs to be on the same page as well as their letters.

 

  • These letters may help the expert learn about the family history and to be able to incorporate the family members experience right into the intervention process.

Composing an intervention letter can additionally be cathartic. Addiction is not easy to talk about and it is very common to ignore the problem. The individual that is experiencing alcohol or drug abuse may become explosive when faced, and also loved ones may respond by not verbalizing their concerns. Drug abuse can overwhelm the user and hold everyone who is connected captive.