According to the United Nations, 35 million people suffer from substance use disorder, but only one out of seven seek treatment. This shows us that people with drug addictions face huge hurdles when it comes to accessing effective treatment and support.
So, what can we do to urge our loved ones to get the medical help they need? Often, the first step is through an intervention!
In this article, we discuss the significance of interventions in addressing drug addiction. We’ll shed light on some of the most effective interventions and give you the knowledge to help those in need.
Table of Contents
Why Interventions Are Necessary
There are many reasons why someone with substance use disorder may not seek treatment. In most cases, they are unaware that they need treatment to begin with.
People with addiction often underestimate the severity of the problem. They also overestimate their ability to control their urges.
Others fear seeking help because it might affect their job, or they may get negative treatment in school.
Here’s where interventions come in!
Studies show that an early intervention can motivate people to join a treatment program. With help, someone with substance use disorder can successfully recover from their condition.
That said, interventionists should be aware that there’s more to an intervention than simply telling someone to see a doctor. Know that if you make a mistake during the intervention, you risk pushing your family members away.
Simply put, careful planning and research are necessary for a successful intervention!
The Goal of Interventions
Learning about the goal of interventions is key to implementing an effective strategy. Let’s review the essential elements contributing to a successful intervention.
- Breaking Denial: The first goal of the intervention is to break through denial. Here, the role of the interventionist is to help individuals recognize the impact of their addiction on their lives.
- Address Immediate Health Risks: Interventions may stop immediate health risks, like overdosing and self-harm. Effective interventions may prevent the escalation of the addiction playing a role in public health.
- Reduce Fear: The intervention must ease the individual’s fear of social stigma. You should let them know that they’re in a safe, non-judgmental space.
- Provide Support: Interventions let your loved ones know that they have your support. This encourages them to accept treatment from healthcare providers.
The Types of Interventions
Interventions come in many forms. Some are more direct, while others are subtler and more long-term.
Here are three evidence-based interventions you should know about.
1. School-Based Interventions
For adolescents, the earlier the intervention, the better their chance of recovery. Because of this, detecting the early signs of drug abuse is of utmost importance.
School-based interventions are the screenings and mental health programs organized by the school. They can include social-resistance training, substance education, and competence training.
2. Family-Based Interventions
Family-based interventions are when the members of the household find ways to prevent drug abuse. This includes talking to the individual and fostering open communication.
You may develop family policies on substance use, or you can spend more time together to develop healthy bonds.
3. Community-Based Interventions
Community-based interventions involve mass media campaigns, community activities, and open access to resources.
Studies show that people often begin abusing drugs due to peer pressure. For this reason, you should ensure that your loved ones are surrounded by the right communities.
How to Conduct an Intervention
Executing the intervention well is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. How you conduct an intervention can prevent additional harm to your loved one.
Please approach interventions with care. If you make a mistake, the individual can become resistant to future interventions.
1. Plan the Intervention
To start, you should plan the intervention with the help of a qualified professional. Talk to counselors or mental health workers and ask them to assist you in organizing the intervention.
Next, think about the best time to hold the intervention. Of course, you should only do it when the individual is sober.
Set a safe location for the intervention. For example, you can hold it in a family member’s home. Your loved one should feel comfortable during the talk, and you want to prevent them from fleeing if they feel cornered.
Finally, gather information on your loved one’s behavior from family members. Their experiences can show your loved one how addiction has impacted everyone’s lives.
2. Select an Intervention Team
The second step is to form your intervention team. These team members should be composed of people the individual loves and respects.
In some cases, you may want a team member from outside the family to keep the discussion focused and free from emotional responses. That said, the smaller the group is, the better.
A one-on-one conversation can have a bigger impact than a group. If you have too many people at the intervention, your loved one can become defensive.
Remember, your focus should be on diffusing the situation. Avoid creating a sense of betrayal by making your loved one think you talked behind their back.
3. Rehearse the Intervention
The third step is to rehearse everything you’ll say at the intervention.
As an interventionist, you should avoid talking about how the addiction has affected your life. Instead, have your loved one open up about the pros and cons of drug abuse.
Below are some example sentences of questions to ask.
- How does taking the substance make you feel?
- Do you think that your substance abuse disorder is hurting other people?
- Are you feeling depressed, and is there anything you want to talk about?
- Have you ever thought about getting help?
On top of this, you should anticipate some resistance from your loved one. Some may even verbally lash out. It’s best to practice what you’ll say when this happens.
4. Execute the Intervention
Without providing a reason, invite your loved one to the intervention site. This is when the members of the intervention team share their genuine concerns.
Be sure that you don’t yell or become threatening during the intervention. Instead, give your family members the chance to talk about their addiction.
A crucial part of the intervention is listening. Hear them out, but tell them what you see.
Lastly, don’t let your loved one fool you into thinking they have their addiction under control. Gently let them know that drug abuse is not healthy.
5. Provide Immediate Support
If your loved one responds well to the intervention, it’s time to provide immediate support.
During this step, you should remove any hurdles that may stop the individual from taking action. You can do this by giving them a list of the treatment plans you prepared.
Present several options, then enroll them into a program as soon as possible. Offer to drive them to doctor’s appointments and support group meetings.
Don’t take it to heart in case the intervention fails. Always remember that substance abuse affects the user’s brain and changes the way they think. It may take several tries for your loved one to see reason.
You should let them know that you’ll be there for them when they decide to get help. Stay in their life and keep trying even if it takes years!
6. Follow Through
The follow-up is the last step to an effective medical intervention.
Without you, your loved one’s chance of recovering lowers. For this reason, you should do whatever it takes to show your support.
One way to follow through with the intervention is by attending group therapy sessions with your loved one.
Become willing to change the everyday living conditions at home to prevent any more destructive behavior. Be sure to remain involved with your family member’s recovery!
Tips for Conducting an Intervention
Interventions are emotional situations. Before you dive in, you should keep these tips in mind.
- Start With Empathy: Keep your tone positive and caring. Let the individual know you care for their well-being and try not to judge.
- Present the Facts: Always use “I” statements when communicating personal feelings. Avoid placing the blame on your loved one, and don’t let your emotions escalate the situation.
- Write Notes: Write your intervention plan down and make notes on what you want to say.
- Stay Persistent: If your loved one reacts negatively, remain calm and reaffirm your desire to support them. Emphasize that you’re not criticizing them. You simply want to help.
- Reflect and Learn: After the intervention, reflect on what you could have said differently. Doing this lets you handle future interventions and interactions better.
- Seek Professional Help: Lastly, asking for advice from medical professionals is crucial. Specialists have the resources and experience to help you hold a successful intervention!
Conclusion
Interventions are the turning point that can improve your loved one’s life. Holding one can motivate them to seek the help they need.
Still, remember that an intervention is a delicate situation. It’s vital that you stay compassionate and you plan the intervention well.
Select your intervention team and seek a safe place to conduct it. Stay calm and be prepared for negative responses.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask a counselor or psychologist to help you plan the intervention. With the right preparation, you can help your family members recover!
