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An intervention for addiction is a discussion that takes place between the loved ones of a person who is struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) and the addict themselves. The goal of an intervention is to persuade the individual to get help for their substance use disorder before the effects of their addiction become too severe. Interventions can take many shapes, but they all aim to accomplish the same thing, which is to provide the individual struggling with a substance use disorder some support.
Early detection of a substance use disorder is critical to the success of any intervention. In the event that you or a loved one observes symptoms of an opioid use problem in another person, it is important to stage an intervention as soon as feasible. If you or someone you care about is unsure whether or not they have a substance use disorder (SUD), you may learn more about the distinction between abuse and addiction by clicking here.
Why Should You Hold an Intervention for a Loved One’s Addiction?
When someone you care about is struggling with addiction, you should consider holding an addiction intervention for a number of different reasons. You may have observed some or all of these indicators if your friend or family member has been taking drugs:
– Increased secrecy and lies – If a loved one has been using drugs, they are probably keeping the addiction a secret. An addiction is a disease that requires treatment, but the user may be too ashamed to admit they have a problem.
– Changes in mood and personality – Drugs can change a person’s mood and personality. They may become aggressive or angry, or they may develop a depressive mood.
– Poor self-care – Drug abuse can cause a person to neglect their personal hygiene and health. They may skip out on doctor’s appointments, dental checkups, or other important health care appointments.
– Unexpected financial problems – Drug addiction can cause financial problems, such as a drop in income, an increase in expenses, or financial problems related to drug use, such as car accidents.
– Risky behaviors, like driving while under the influence – Drug addiction can cause dangerous, risky behaviors that put loved ones at risk.
– Poor performance at work or school – Substance use can cause a loved one to miss school or work, or they may be fired or expelled from school due to their addiction.
– Changes in social activities – Drug use usually leads to a loved one spending less time with people.
– An increase in legal problems – This could include arrests and charges related to drug use.
– A change in appearance – Someone who is using drugs may neglect their physical appearance. This could include not bathing, not wearing clean clothes, or having a poor diet.
How to Hold an Intervention for a Loved One’s Addiction
Before you hold an intervention for a loved one’s addiction, you need to decide on a couple of key things:
– Who will be involved in the intervention
– Where the intervention will take place
– When the intervention will take place
– Who will be involved in the intervention?
Anyone who communicates an interest in taking part in the intervention is encouraged to do so when given the opportunity. People that are really close to you could fall into this category. This could include loved ones at work, members of your family, close friends, and others. It is preferable to have a number of people who love and care about the individual who has a substance use issue present in the room with them (SUD).
On the other hand, you shouldn’t rule out the option of inviting those who are well-known for causing trouble and you shouldn’t ignore the prospect of including them. These individuals might be able to persuade the individual who abuses substances to obtain help for their problem. With the right support, you can help a loved one get the help they need to recover from an addiction.
– Where exactly will the intervention be carried out? – There is some leeway in terms of the site of the intervention. Some individuals devise plots to carry out their actions in public settings, such as restaurants or parks. Some people make the decision to have the intervention at the individual’s house who is struggling with substance use disorder. Then there are mental health and drug addiction treatment centers.
Your choice of venue for the intervention need to be guided by the characteristics of the person you are working to assist, so keep that in mind. If the person you care about tends to keep to themselves and is secretive, it’s conceivable that having the intervention in private is the best course of action to take. If, on the other hand, the person you care about is more outgoing than you are, it may be simpler to stage the intervention in a public place.
– When will the intervention take place? – You can hold an intervention at any time. However, the best time to hold an intervention is when the SUD individual is sober. If the person has been using an addictive substance, they may be too intoxicated to understand your message and get help.
Strategies During an Intervention
There are several strategies you can use during an intervention, including:
– Taking a break – This is when one of the interveners exits the room. Once the break is over, the person comes back in the room, and the others confront the SUD individual.
– Making a promise – This is when one of the interveners promises to do something for the SUD individual, like taking the individual on a trip or buying them a gift.
– Making a threat – This is when one of the interveners threatens to do something that the SUD individual does not want, like kicking them out of the house or ending the relationship with them.
– Putting the SUD individual’s life in perspective – This is when you talk about how the addiction has affected the SUD individual’s life and the lives of those around them.
– Explaining the cost of addiction – This is when you explain all of the financial and emotional costs of addiction.
