Those who abuse substances such as drugs and alcohol may need a family intervention. The addicted person might be in denial, and not see anything wrong with his behavior. A family intervention is a way to express the concern and the feelings of family and friends in regard to the loved one's addiction.
Warning Signs
People who have addictive personalities, can be more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Sometimes, social and casual drinking or using drugs can lead to excessive use. Warning signs of a substance abuser could be domestic problems at home, termination of a job, debt, criminal acts, stealing and lying to those they care about. If any of these are occurring, a family intervention could help the addict to get the treatment that she needs.
Setting Up Intervention
The family and friends who are concerned about their loved ones addiction will gather and plan an intervention. Careful planning and preparation is important; the intervention should not be spur of the moment. Planning the date and the time of the intervention is vital, and the best time would be when the addicted person would most likely be sober, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Seeking Expert Insight
The family must contact treatment centers and seek the advice of an expert intervention counselor. The interventionist will have the family gather for two to three sessions before the actual intervention session, according to Intervention Resource Center. At these sessions, the family will write down and practice what they are going to say to the addicted person at the actual intervention. The treatment center is also set up for the addict before the intervention, and a bag is packed for him, in hopes that he chooses to accept the help.
Consequences
Consequences for the addict if she refuses help and treatment on the day of the intervention will be stated by the family and friends. These are not meant to hurt the addict, but meant to protect the loved ones from abuse, according to Intervention Resource Center. A spouse may file for divorce and take the children away, the addict may lose the emotional and financial support that the friends and family members have been giving and an employer may terminate her.
Immediate Decision
It is very important at the intervention to make the addict choose that day to enter treatment. If a loved one asks for time to think it over, he still is in denial of his substance abuse problem. And most likely, if he doesn't choose treatment that day, he may act out dangerously due to the confrontation, go on a binge or go into hiding, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Resources
If you know a loved one who may be abusing alcohol or drugs, there are resources available. Contact your local hospitals or clinics and ask about their treatment programs. Also, on-line support groups, drug and alcohol counselors and national organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous could be very helpful.
