Drug Intervention is the process of getting an addict into drug treatment
long before they reach their bottom; because, to hit bottom often means loss
of health, family, friends and even death. It is always better when
users choose to seek treatment for themselves. But for
many users this does not come easy; The willingness to accept drug addiction
treatment can be hindered behind walls of denial, confusion, anger and fear.
For many decades it was believed that unless the addict was let alone (cut off) to reach his or her ultimate bottom and thus, finally surrender from the devastation and seek change; that addict would not agree to participate in a drug treatment program.
This meant that before an addict was willing to seek help, he or she had
to hit their bottom. Reduced to such a low state that they finally realize
that the drugs are the problem, not the solution. The problem with this
idea was that every addict has a different bottom. And the sad reality for
many of these individuals is that by the time they reach this condition
of “hitting bottom” they’ve lost their health, their family
and friends, or died as a result of the drug abuse.
One of the biggest advancements in the field of addiction treatment is the drug intervention
process. Through the process of intervention no longer do individuals
suffering from chemical dependency have to wait to “hit bottom” before
they can be helped. Interventions can now be implemented to assist the treatment
resisting drug users to accept that drug treatment is their
best option. Therefore getting an individual into rehab long before
the addiction progresses to the most destructive stages.
Drug intervention is a process where family and friends of the addict come
together (usually coordinated by a professional interventionist) and confront
the drug user. This is done through surprise and compassionate communication.
Participants express the negative effects endured from the substance
abuse from their own view points. Through a well planned rehearsed nonjudgmental
confrontation aimed at getting the addict focused on his or her self which
works wonders at braking though layers of denial, selfishness and humbles the addict.
At that point they go over treatment options, along with a statement of
what is to be expected by the family members.
Also leverage can be used in certain cases such as an addict’s boss (job), the police, or a probation officer. There are numerous strategies that can be used in an intervention depending on the situation.
Intervention is a carefully assembled well structured “process” that is best done with a professional to insure the optimum outcome.