Addiction inflicts devastating consequences across all aspects of life. However, addicted people often resist getting help due to denial and lack of insight into their problem. They are unable to reason clearly or recognize how unmanageable their substance abuse has become. An intervention frequently provides the motivation and perspective needed for an addicted person to seek treatment and begin a path to recovery.
Why do people need intervention?
One of the hallmarks of addiction is denial – an inability to acknowledge the reality of how drugs or alcohol have taken over and the damage being done. Addicts tend to rationalize their harmful behaviors and insist they can control or stop their substance use whenever they choose. However, their perceptions are far from the truth.
Loved ones observing from the outside have a much clearer perspective on the chaos and destruction addiction causes. They can see the downward spiral unfolding while the addict remains oblivious. No amount of concerned conversations seems to get through. The addict continues justifying their risky behaviors, unaware of how close to the edge they really are.
This denial and delusion prevent the urgent action required to save an addicted person’s life. A professionally facilitated intervention is often the only way to break through the denial and make them confront reality with love and accountability. Presented with an ultimatum to seek treatment or face consequences, the majority of addicts participating in interventions choose to get help.
A well-planned intervention attended by people the addict trusts and showing universal concern often has the best chance of success. The compassionate confrontation helps the addict finally see the truth and accept that recovery is the only option. Having lost the ability to make clear-headed decisions for themselves, the structured intervention process gives addicts the guidance they desperately require.
Signs that an intervention is needed
Certain warning signs indicate when an addicted person has passed the point where they can get better on their own and require an intervention to compel life-saving change:
- Ongoing substance abuse leading to escalating legal problems like DUI/DWIs, arrests, and court mandates.
- Increasing work or school absences, declining performance, and eventual loss of employment or expulsion.
- Withdrawal from family members, friends, and community plus neglect of responsibilities.
- Financial hardship due to spending significant money on obtaining drugs or alcohol.
- Deteriorating physical health marked by malnutrition, infections, and related medical issues.
- Failed attempts to quit drinking or using solo which result in quick relapses.
- Suicidal threats, plans, or attempts made while intoxicated.
- Verbal abuse, physical aggression, or violence tied to alcohol and drug abuse.
If addiction has infiltrated and begun destroying key areas of life, despite previous efforts by the addict to gain control solo, the time for an intervention has likely come. An experienced interventionist for alcohol abuse or local drug interventionist near you can guide the intervention process when a loved one continues to spiral. An intervention is a much, if not more, for the family than the addict. A family torn apart by addiction can start the healing process with an intervention.
Don’t wait until the situation seems utterly hopeless and it feels too late to make a difference. If any of the above points are occurring it is time for an intervention. Although addiction causes tremendous damage, with compassionate confrontation and urgency, recovery is still possible in even the most serious cases. Learn more warning signs about when to get started before it’s too late. An intervention demonstrates that hope still remains and motivates the addict to take the critical first step toward improving their life.