OPIOID FAQs

How do I organize a professional intervention for opioid addiction?

Planning an intervention for an opioid addict begins with making a plan and consulting with a professional interventionist. An intervention is a highly charged situation with the potential to cause anger, resentment, or a sense of betrayal. A certified interventionist gathers information and everyone finds out about the extent of the addiction. Everyone agrees that an intervention is needed and treatment is arranged. The intervention team is also formed, and these are people who are not antagonistic toward the addict but are influential, and the addict listens to them.

Team members set a date and location and work together to present a consistent, rehearsed message and a structured plan. Everyone involved with the intervention decides on the specific consequences if the addict does not accept treatment. Tough love is an important step because it demonstrates the family is serious about their loved one getting help. A successful intervention must be planned carefully to work as intended. A poorly planned intervention can worsen the situation, and the addict may feel attacked and become isolated or more resistant to treatment.

Opioid Addiction Detox and Rehabilitation

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 760,000 people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose. Two out of three drug overdoses in 2018 involved opioids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths rose 4.6% in 2019 to 70,980, including 50,042 involving opioids. Rehabilitation involves medical detox, residential treatment, and aftercare support. Medical detox providers manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms with the use of other medication to ease withdrawal pain. The next phase of rehabilitation should involve inpatient treatment, whether long-term or short-term.

Lengthier treatment is the better option because more resources are provided to help the addict through all aspects of their addiction. Aftercare support is also important because it helps recovering addicts plan and achieve their goals and maintain sobriety. Outpatient treatment centers are excellent options for aftercare support, along with peer support groups or 12-step meetings.

Sources-
https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/opioid-crisis-statistics/index.html
https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2020-07-16-cdc-drug-overdose-deaths-46-2019

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