When you have a family member who is abusing alcohol and/or drugs, has a gambling problem, an eating disorder or any other addiction that is ruining his life, a family intervention may be needed. The addicted person may or may not want to seek treatment for his addiction after the intervention. Depending on his decision, there can be dire consequences, or there could be hope for him to get his life back on track.
Warning Signs
People who have addictive personalities can become addicted to alcohol and/or drugs, gambling or have a eating disorder. It might start out as casual and social in nature, but it can turn into addiction. Some warning signs to look for when you think someone in your family may need an intervention could be relationship issues with her spouse and children, getting in trouble with the law, the loss of a job and loss of money, and, very importantly, if she is lying and denying to friends and family about her addiction and abuse.
Expert Insight
When a family decides to have an intervention, several things need to occur. The family and friends of the addicted person will have two or three sessions before the actual intervention session takes place. At these sessions, a trained counselor educates the family and friends about the intervention, and they practice what they are going to say at the actual intervention. Also, the treatment facility is contacted and set up ahead of time.
Goals
The principal goal of the intervention is to get the addicted person to immediately seek treatment on the day of the intervention. Often, medical or life threatening issues could also add a sense of urgency. Other goals include education for the family and friends about the addiction, destroying the enabling that the family and friends have been a part of, and having the addicted person hear all of the feelings and concerns that the family is having, according to Intervention Resource Center.
Consequences
At the intervention, the family tells the addicted person about possible consequences if he decides to ignore the help, and not seek treatment on the day of the intervention, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example, his spouse may file for divorce, his employer may terminate him and family members may withdraw financial and emotional support unless he is willing to get treatment. These consequences are not meant to hurt the addicted person, but are set up to protect the family and friends from the on-going abusive behavior of the addict.
Resources
There are many resources available to those who have family members that need an intervention. You can contact online support groups, local clinics that offer treatment programs and various organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous. Seek advice from your doctor or mental health provider, or an experienced addiction specialist, to find the best program for your loved one.
