Drug
Interventions
Drug intervention is an attempt by
a skilled professional counselor or a group of friends,
family or co-workers to motivate a drug addict toward
recovery. Drug intervention, while sometimes painful
or embarrassing, is sometimes critical for drug addicts
who deny they have a problem.
Drug intervention encompasses ten
steps:
Drug Intervention Step #1: Don't
Rescue the Addict
Friends and family members can attempt to protect an
addict from the consequences of his behavior by making
excuses about his addiction or getting him out of trouble.
This behavior must stop! Once the addict experiences
the effects of his behavior, he may become more motivated
to stop using drugs.
Drug Intervention Step #2: Don't
Become an Enabler
Family members should be careful not to reward the addict
by paying his bills, bailing him out of jail, letting
him stay for free or ignoring his behavior.
Drug Intervention Step #3: Find
the Right Time
If possible, select a time to talk with the addict when
he is sober, when the entire intervention party is in
a calm frame of mind and when you can speak privately.
Drug Intervention Step #4: Find
Strength in Numbers
Enlist the support of family members, relatives and
friends in confronting the addict as a group, selecting
one person to be the initial spokesperson. Remember,
the idea is to make it safe for him to come clean and
seek help.
Drug Intervention Step #5: Be
Honest
Tell the addict that you are concerned about his drug
addiction and want to be supportive for him while he
gets help. Support your concern with examples of the
ways in which his drug use has caused problems for you,
including any recent incidents.
Drug Intervention Step #6: State
the Consequences
Tell the addict that until he gets help, you will leave
him to the consequences of his behavior and will no
longer bail him out. Make it clear that you are not
trying to punish the addict, but protect yourself from
the harmful effects of his addiction.
Drug Intervention Step #7: Listen
During your drug addiction intervention, the addict
might ask questions regarding potential treatment. Listen!
These questions are a sign that he is reaching for help.
Drug Intervention Step #8: Be
Prepared
If the addict is ready to take action, don't wait. Once
he's agrees to go into rehab, work immediately to get
him admitted into rehab. Prior to the intervention,
pack him a bag, make travel arrangements and ensure
he has acceptance into a program.
Drug Intervention Step #9: Don't
Give Up
If the addict refuses help, don't give up. Be supportive
and don't enable or allow his behavior. Listen whenever
you can and be ready to help the addict into therapy
when he is ready.
Drug Intervention Step #10: Find
a Good Rehab Center
Treatment Referral will help you find a center that
effectively treats alcohol, drug and substance abuse
beyond the initial cleansing of the system, addressing
the behavioral and thinking patterns that directly contribute
to the individual's disease. If drug addiction might
be a problem for you or someone you love, we encourage
you to give Treatment Referral a call today to learn
more about treatment and intervention options. 800.399.3612 |
