intervention FAQs

When is the best time to do an addiction intervention?

Many family members are under the impression that an addict has to hit some sort of rock bottom before they realize they need help. The reality of this is there is no true rock bottom for addiction; an addict could lose everything in his or her life and still not understand the importance of going to drug rehabilitation. If someone is struggling with a substance abuse problem and is refusing help, the family should not wait to intervene, because something horrible could happen and an addict will continue to abuse drugs until they have no other option not to. There is never a wrong time to organize an intervention and contacting a professional interventionist will help a family start this process. It is not always easy for family members to move past the old arguments, disagreements or the misconception that an addict must ask for help.

Most people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol very rarely ask for help, and will continue to abuse drugs or alcohol until some form of intervention is done. Early intervention is the best way to help save an addict. There is never a bad time to start organizing an intervention, and a family should reach out to professional intervention groups for help. Some friends or family who are detached from the addict may want to wait, while others will want to intervene right away. When immediate family members and friends recognize an intervention is necessary, this is often a clear indicator the intervention should be done. The family should start to put aside the reasons they have to postpone the intervention, and focus on the reasons they believe they should conduct an intervention. There are many compelling reasons why an intervention should happen right away.

Drug and alcohol addiction gets worse, not better over time, and the addict may try to force periods of sobriety but will start using just as quickly as they decided to try abstinence. The next time they start using is often worse than the previous time because there are more guilt and shame attached to the relapse. With every passing day, month, and year the problems begin to start to pile up, such as DUI charges, criminal issues, health issues, financial problems, and family concerns. There is often a point during an addiction where the bottom may be too low, and this can result in death because of overdose or personal injury. Family intervention is almost always needed to help addicts get to the drug treatment they need.

Proper Planning with Detox and Rehabilitation Options Contributes to a Successful Intervention

Professional interventionists do help the family locate the best possible detox and rehabilitation centers. Most interventionists have counseling certifications and other qualifications to help perform assessments and make treatment recommendations. Also, because intervention specialists work with so many rehabilitation centers, they have valuable insight into these programs. Whether the facility is government-funded or private, there are excellent options to consider. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are many pathways to effective treatment, and most individuals benefit from evidence-based substance use treatment.

The rehabilitation process should address their specific needs, which include physical, psychological, and environmental issues. However, recent research has shown that many people do not get the treatment they need, which is why the input from an interventionist is important. Overall, no single treatment is right for everyone, and people need to have quick access to treatment. Proper planning with detox and rehab before the intervention ensures quick access. When an addict has to wait for treatment after the intervention, they are likely to change their mind and or take off again.

It has been proven that when an addict gets into treatment and remains in the program, they will stop using drugs, decrease criminal activity, and become a contributing and productive member of society again. The successful outcome of any rehabilitation depends on a person staying in treatment long enough to reap its full benefits. The strategies that the interventionist and treatment center use for keeping people in treatment are critical. The person should feel engaged, and retention typically includes motivation to change drug-using behavior.

Sources-https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_2716/ShortReport-2716.html
NIDA. “How effective is drug addiction treatment?.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3 Jun. 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-effective-drug-addiction-treatment

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