Family Interventions
Family interventions happen when a substance abuser’s loved ones form an alliance and confront the abuser. Family members usually decide to plan an intervention once they realize that the substance abuser has a problem. A family intervention is not meant to threaten or belittle the abusers, but only to show them that they are loved and have a family support should they choose to be treated for their addiction.
The Goal of Intervention
Interventions have one goal: To get the substance abuser into treatment. Substance abusers will not see the error of their ways and turn their lives around simply because of an intervention. An intervention can, however, convince the abusers to get treatment for their addiction if done properly.
For this reason, it is important to have a family intervention coordinated by a trained professional. This professional can guide the family members on how to approach the abuser during the intervention and will oversee the entire process, being available to intervene, if needed.
The Benefits of Intervention
Family interventions are important because they help the abusers realize that they have options and people surrounding them that will support their option for treatment. The abusers will not be forced into a vehicle and driven to a rehabilitation center against their will.
The family can choose to invite other key people in the substance abuser’s life to the intervention. Although it is primarily a family intervention, the family may have knowledge of outsiders whom the abuser looks up to. If you know that the substance abuser would value an outsider’s opinion, then it is important to have that person on your team during the intervention. It may be their words that finally convince the substance abuser that treatment is the right option.
Hopefully, your intervention will be a success and your loved one will finally seek the help that he or she needs. Remember that interventions need to be orchestrated in a certain way. Those who are inexperienced in interventions may accidentally go about talking to the abusers in a way that scares them off and ruins the chance that they will seek treatment and go to rehab. This is why it is important to have someone who is experienced in interventions present. It is unwise to try and plan an intervention without the help of a professional, who can give you the guidance that you need for a successful intervention.
The Substance Abuser Must Make the Decision
Family interventions are not meant to force the abuser into treatment, only to convince the abuser to get help. The choice for treatment needs to be made by the substance abuser himself; otherwise, he or she will likely go against the treatment plan every step of the way. If it is the abusers’ decision, then they will be more willing to work towards the goal of sobriety that they have set for themselves.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Rehab
Inpatient and outpatient alcohol and drug addiction rehab programs have helped many patients who had become addicted to one or more substances break their addictions and return to normal, productive lives. Depending upon the severity of the addiction and how much of an impact it has upon the patient’s day-to-day life, treatment in a private residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility may be imperative. The person can also receive confidential, regular sessions with a therapist to treat addiction issues.
If the abusers do choose a treatment, it is important to stress that they must go immediately from the intervention to the treatment center without making any stops. If they say that they will go “later” or even “tomorrow,” chances are that you will never get them there. Also, allowing them to stop somewhere along the way, even at their own home, will allow them to pick up the drug of their choice for a “last fix.”
Eliminating these obstacles makes getting the abuser into treatment much easier for the family. Assure the abuser that you will go to his or her home and pick up anything that he or she needs while in treatment, such as clothing.
If you are interested in learning more about how to plan a family intervention for a loved one, you should consider calling 800-660-0986 or filling out a quick contact form so that a professional with experience in family interventions can contact you. This person will be able to answer any questions you may have and will give you more information about where to find help and support for planning your intervention.