One of the hardest parts of addiction is watching a loved one go through it. Sadly, those with substance abuse disorders are often in denial regarding their addiction and fail to realize the seriousness of the problem. If your loved one is struggling with an addiction, here’s how interventions can help.
Table of Contents
- What is an Intervention?
- The Importance of Interventions – The Toll of Addiction
- When an Intervention is Necessary
- Components of a Successful Intervention
- Team Selection
- Preparation
- Professional Guidance
- Location and Timing
- Clear Communication
- Offering Treatment as a Solution
- Potential Outcomes of an Intervention
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Post-Intervention Steps
- Self-Care
- The Role of Long Island Treatment Center in Interventions
- When and Why You Should Hire a Professional Interventionist
- The Critical Role of Friends and Family in the Recovery Process
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Interventions and Treatment
What is an Intervention?
Interventions are carefully planned, structured, and often productive conversations to encourage help for individuals with addiction. A potentially life-saving discussion, research shows that an intervention can promote change and healing. Learn more about interventions and their importance from the experts at Long Island Treatment Center in Hicksville, New York.
The Importance of Interventions – The Toll of Addiction
The need for compulsive substance use or behavior can lead to negative outcomes for both an individual and their social circles. A progressive disease, addiction can alter the brain and create severe emotional and mental consequences for the addicted individual and their loved ones. As the disease takes hold, the addicted individual spirals and feels unable to cope without their addiction of choice. If unaddressed, the addict will surely lead themselves and their circle to eventual destruction.
When an Intervention is Necessary
When you care deeply about an addict, you may feel helpless and unsure how to help, or even if you should help. You have likely discussed your concerns more than once, but your attempts to convince the addict to change have been in vain.
As you endure the emotional pain of watching your loved one unravel, you might feel stuck and as if the problem is insurmountable. Knowing when an intervention is needed can help.
Watch for signs of worsening addiction, isolation, damaged relationships, financial strain, deteriorating health, legal issues, and loss of control. When these issues are happening and casual conversations aren’t working, consider an intervention to press for treatment and recovery.
Components of a Successful Intervention
You might feel that being firm should be enough to promote change in an addicted individual, but all interventions are not created equal. Successful interventions require thorough planning and compelling communication. If you’re considering an intervention, here are tips to get you started.
Team Selection
Don’t gather just anyone to perform an intervention, as there might be folks who provide unhelpful and counterproductive behavior. Select individuals who care deeply and who will conduct themselves in a supportive and beneficial manner.
Preparation
Once you’ve assembled your team, you’ll want to go over the goals, process, and message of your planned intervention. Consider taking notes and storing them in a safe and secure space.
Professional Guidance
When it comes to holding productive interventions, you can’t be too careful. Seek the wisdom and guidance of a skilled therapist or intervention specialist who is experienced in performing productive and supportive interventions before moving forward.
Location and Timing
Addictions can create a sense of urgency and may lead to negative responses, particularly if the intervention is not conducted not in the right place or at the right time. However, a well-planned location with careful timing can help lighten the intensity of the situation.
Clear Communication
A successful intervention requires clear and thoughtful communication. During the intervention, it’s important to avoid placing judgment, blame, or anger and instead choose to create a safe and non-confrontational environment by using “I” statements.
Offering Treatment as a Solution
Often, an addict might not see a way out. By presenting actionable steps toward treatment, they might feel as if there is a truly achievable path to recovery. With the help of an intervention specialist, your loved one will come to understand the numerous treatment options available.
Potential Outcomes of an Intervention
Initially, an addicted individual may feel attacked or stuck in denial. With patience, understanding, and professional intervention services, they may demonstrate acceptance and more willingness to seek treatment. Be prepared, however, as their responses may vary. Lay the groundwork for overcoming objectives and a range of conflicting emotions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
At first, it might seem wise to confront your loved one in a confrontational manner in the hopes that it will help them see the severity of the situation. Unfortunately, this tactic rarely works. Do your best to avoid ambushing the individual without preparation, when they are under the influence, or when emotions are tense.
Post-Intervention Steps
As part of the planning process, you should have treatment options readily available. That way, if the addict agrees to treatment, they can take immediate action. Be sure to provide support and guidance as your loved one begins their recovery journey.
Self-Care
As part of the intervention team, you may have difficulty navigating your emotions after the intervention experience. To help you cope in the aftermath of an intervention, consider therapy or counseling from a professional knowledgeable about the toll addiction takes on friends and families.
The Role of Long Island Treatment Center in Interventions
Deciding to hold an intervention is not easy, as admitting your loved one is in dire straits can be emotionally taxing. Fortunately, our team of experienced interventionists at Long Island Treatment Center can help ensure your intervention is productive. Your intervention specialist will discuss your concerns and issues while advocating for the addict’s best interests. This can involve detailed planning, written statements, an overview of potential consequences, and the benefits of treatment.
Our main priority is to ensure successful recovery while providing exemplary support and effective treatment. Potential treatment options include outpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs, aftercare programs, and dual diagnosis programs for an array of addictions to cover your unique circumstances.
When and Why You Should Hire a Professional Interventionist
You may feel as if you can host a productive intervention on your own. After all, no one knows your loved one better than you. However, professional interventionist knows the nature of their addiction through and through.
Interventionists are experienced and trained specifically for the complexities of addiction interventions and recovery. Tailored to your needs, interventionists offer objective and expert guidance to drive positive outcomes. Additionally, an interventionist can provide custom solutions to ensure post-treatment success.
The Critical Role of Friends and Family in the Recovery Process
Friends and family play a vital role in the recovery process. Not only do you provide the addicted individual with an additional reason to seek sobriety, but you can contribute greatly to their success by providing support and encouragement. Consider participating in therapy or support groups to learn coping skills and what constitutes healthy boundaries. Additionally, it is beneficial for you to learn more about addiction so you’re armed with the information necessary to hold the addict accountable for their recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Interventions and Treatment
What can I expect during an intervention?
What if my loved one rejects treatment?
What will treatment look like?
The significance of interventions cannot be understated. At Long Island Treatment Centers, we believe that anyone can achieve recovery. With the right support, your loved one can overcome their addiction and find their way back to you.
If your loved one is in the throes of their addiction, know that you’re not alone and we’re ready to guide you through. Our team of professionals will help you navigate this difficult journey. Call Long Island Treatment Center or go here to chat with us today.
Additional Resources
Check out the following sites for additional resources on addiction and recovery:
https://oasas.ny.gov/
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/alcohol-and-drug-use-services.page
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline