Unfortunately, the average person is more reactive to the problems of substance abuse than being proactive. It becomes much easier to ignore the issue and clean up the mess created by it than facing the problem head-on. Substance abuse becomes progressively worse, creating health problems, legal issues, financial turmoil, and damaged familial relationships. Organizing family intervention services is the best way to stop a catastrophe before it happens. Early substance use intervention saves the life of the addict and ensures the family regains control.
It is Never Too Late for a Substance Use Intervention
Whether you suspect your loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or they are beginning to experiment with drugs or alcohol, there is never a bad time to step in. The earlier that someone speaks up, the more likely they are to get the person help. No matter how uncomfortable the confrontation is, avoiding the problem does not solve the issue. During the early stages of substance abuse, there are more opportunities to intervene. However, the longer the problem persists, the more difficult it becomes to intervene and convince the drug-addicted individual they need help. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that only severe substance abuse requires treatment, which is common with problems involving alcohol, for example.
It is easy to ignore heavy drinking or binge drinking and look at it as someone having a good time. However, regular heavy drinking or binge drinking is a clear indicator the person would require alcohol inpatient treatment. Unfortunately, these issues are overlooked, and the problem progressively becomes worse. The second you notice regular excessive alcohol abuse or even drug abuse, it is time to voice your concerns. Organizing family intervention is the best approach and hiring a professional intervention specialist ensures the success of the intervention.
Tips for Early Substance Use Family Intervention
Information is key and contacting a certified intervention group—before you confront your loved one, be sure you have learned everything you can about addiction. For example, learn about the signs of substance abuse and the danger of continued drug and alcohol use. It is important to know what you are talking about before you say anything. Also, find a sober time to say something; while it is important to speak up, you will not accomplish much while the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The family should have some services and help lined-up in the event the drug-addicted person says they need help. However, most people in the early stages of addiction do not admit they have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
Typically, family intervention is organized with the help of a professional interventionist. The benefit of hiring a professional is they are not emotionally connected to the situation. When talking to someone close to you about their substance abuse problem, it can become emotionally charged and can quickly deteriorate into a family argument. Most substance abusers become defensive, and people involved could become defensive, which is where a family interventionist is beneficial. Hiring a professional interventionist ensures that everything goes as it is supposed to because they are there to mitigate and keep the intervention on track.
Deciding on Substance Use Treatment Options
Regardless of what stage of addiction the person is in, there are substance use treatment resources to help. When searching for rehabilitation services, an addiction assessment is useful, and an interventionist would know of the right resources to contact as well. The intervention should address the specific needs of the addict and the problems created by the addiction. The treatment process could involve inpatient or outpatient services, and the extent or severity of addiction would determine what is needed. Someone who is in the beginning stages of substance use may benefit from an outpatient center, whereas long-term substance abuse requires lengthy residential treatment.
A certified interventionist is familiar with numerous treatment centers across the country. These are the programs an interventionist helped families organize for their loved ones. The more effective the treatment is at the beginning stages of addiction, the better off the person is. Even with early intervention, it is ok to line-up effective treatment services, such as a residential program. Interventionists will also help the family work with their insurance providers, such as TRICARE approved rehab facilities, for example. Most health insurance providers offer their beneficiaries outpatient or inpatient programs to address problems with substance use.
When is the Right Time and Place to Organize a Family Intervention?
The right time to organize a family intervention is when you notice the indicators or signs of addiction. Whether this is a loving conversation one-on-one or a conversation that involves the help of other family members or friends, the conversation should take place. However, if the person is in complete denial despite their obvious problem with drugs or alcohol, the family should not wait to hire a professional interventionist. There is no bad time to talk about family intervention, and professional interventionists help families organize the right time and place to perform the intervention. The only goal is to save the person’s life—every year, more people die from addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths in the United States rose 4.6% in 2019 to close to 71,000 deaths. Approximately 50,000 of these deaths involved opioids—regardless of what substance is abused, family intervention works, and saves lives.
Sources:
https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2020-07-16-cdc-drug-overdose-deaths-46-2019
