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Millions of Americans struggle with addiction, and tens of thousands die each year because of drug and alcohol use. Substance abuse intervention is sometimes the last thing families consider; however, it may just bet the one step that takes control and saves a loved one’s life. What are the strategies involved? Is it guaranteed to work? What happens if it doesn’t work? These are only a few questions a family has. Preparation is vital when planning an intervention, and here are the top strategies to consider.

Organize an Effective Team

Aside from hiring a professional interventionist, those individuals who are genuinely committed to the process and have some level of influence in the person’s life should be included. Per the 25 Tips for Successful Intervention, the ideal intervention team would consist of people who are respected by and have an emotional attachment to the addicted person. The process involves carefully choosing family members, close friends, and loved ones. These individuals will assist with the intervention process. Because they are taking part, they should have clear heads, strength, and integrity. Additionally, these participants should share in their love and dedication to the health and well-being of the addicted person, which means going above and beyond.

Plan What Will Be Said and Who Will Say It

During the family education day, the professional interventionist will coordinate with all participants what is said during the intervention. Planning what is said does help avoid using an accusatory tone or saying anything that is a personal attack. The purpose of the intervention is to get an agreement for treatment and an understanding there is a problem. The communication should be non-judgmental and compassionate in a way that leads your loved one to feel the care and genuine concern. There is a reason that an entire day is spent with the family planning who is in attendance, what is said, who says it, and when the intervention takes place.

Review Your Plan, Organize A Time, and Prepare for Different Outcomes

Interventions are staged when the addicted person is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Having a professional interventionist there makes this step much easier because of their knowledge of the effects of drugs and alcohol. All legal or illegal substances affect everyone differently, and the experience of a certified interventionist ensures the proper time and day is selected. The only way an intervention is done right is through review and planning. A successful substance abuse intervention is about reviewing all aspects of the plan. For example, what is said, who is going to be there, where is it taking place, are the flights booked, is the treatment center paid for, and how is the addicted person getting to the program.

Finally, an intervention does not have to be completely unpredictable, if everyone involved is prepared for different outcomes. Professional interventionists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with this regard. These professionals know what to expect based on the preliminary data gathered from the family. Everyone involved in the intervention is prepared for every possible outcome. The goal, regardless of what happens, is to have the addicted person agree to receive help. The intervention is only the beginning of your loved one’s journey, and ongoing follow up is essential, which is why intervention professionals are needed. Professionals aide the family in deciding the next course of action, guide them through the preparation, execution, into treatment, and throughout the recovery process.

Why take extensive steps to plan and organize substance abuse intervention?

Drug and alcohol addiction kills people every day. Putting things in perspective, per the CDC in 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Adults aged 25 to 34, 35 to 44, and 45 to 54 had the highest rates of drug overdose death in 2017. The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in 2017 was 9.6% higher than the rate in 2016, much in part due to opioids.

The steps of hiring a professional interventionist, planning the process, and organizing strategy save the life of the addicted person. Unfortunately, every year people die from drug and or alcohol-related causes. Still, there are millions of Americans struggling in silence who battle the addiction for years before they get help. Substance abuse takes everything away from the person, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and this is no way to live life. Support is available, the resources are there, and there are people who care and will do what it takes to save a life.

Sources Cited:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db329.htm


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