Intervention
What is Intervention?
Because an overwhelming number of substance abusing individuals fail to seek out help for themselves – or even recognize that they have a problem at all – it falls on the shoulders of friends and family to play a vital role in getting help. In most cases, this process will involve and intervention.
It is crucial to consult a professional before holding an intervention. Although time is of the essence, you must first work with an intervention professional to insure that everything is planned out properly and right environment is present for the intervention.
Interventions can take place amongst family members, friends or even-coworkers. The most important thing required to be present at an intervention is a concern about the individual in question.
What goes on at an intervention?
Interventions are a chance for those people close to the individuals to speak their minds freely and openly. Many people present at the intervention have likely been hurt by the individual in question during his period of drug use. For this reason, it is an important time to "clear the air" about a variety of issues.
There are times when the individual's drug addiction has become so bad that he is a danger to himself or others. At these moments, an emergency intervention should be called as soon as possible. Sometimes, the workplace is involved – as the individual's drug use has effecting performance of the team or company as a whole. Co-workers who care are also excellent candidates to call the intervention. They lack the history and conflicts of family and may provide a more unbiased approach.
Intervention and teenagers
If your teen has a drug or alcohol problem and requires an intervention, there are a few things you should know. Some issues need to be dealt with more sensitively when a teenager is involved. The teen is likely to be more defensive and feel attacked more easily. These feelings can lead to worsening of the problem and a deepening of animosity among family members. Find a professional who works with teenagers and interventions specifically to make sure all these issues are being addressed properly.
For any intervention, don't wait to act! Find a professional who will help you assess the situation and assist you in the execution of the intervention itself. Remember, your friend or loved one might not recognize the problem! It is in your hands to step in and get them into a treatment program.
