What is an Intervention?
Denial and refusal to admit a problem with substance abuse is frequently seen in addiction. Often, individuals feel they are still in control of their substance use, even when numerous areas in their lives are falling apart. It can be challenging to witness a loved one struggle with addiction and even harder figuring out how to help them. You may have already attempted to talk to them about it which is often met with defensiveness and refusal to get help. However, a more focused approach with the help of an addiction specialist and the help of others through an intervention may be needed. Read more to find out what’s next after an intervention.
When related to substance abuse and addiction, an intervention is an organized attempt from loved ones to confront a person with an addiction about how their drug use, drinking, and substance-abuse related behavior has affected everyone around them. An intervention allows friends, family, and even employers or colleagues the opportunity to tell the person how their drug or alcohol abuse has caused a problem in their lives. It is often led by an intervention professional, also known as an interventionist. An interventionist can help you and others make a plan on what to say, how to get the person to the intervention, mediate the intervention, and provide guidance on the next steps to take after the intervention.
During the intervention, these people will gather together to confront the person about the consequences if they continue down the path of addiction and ask them to accept treatment. They can discuss how the addictive behavior has affected the person’s life and their own. An intervention is meant as a combination of education and support, with an ultimate goal of providing the addict with a structured plan towards recovery. The intervention can include an action plan on what to do next, including specific treatment centers or programs that have already been contacted to immediately take them to treatment.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Who Participates in an Intervention?
The intervention should include people who are important to the person suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. The group can consist of the person who loves, respects, or depends on such as immediate family members, extended family members, best friends, colleagues, employers, and anyone else who is close to the person. People the addict does not like or who are also struggling with substance abuse should not be included.
Typically, there are about four to eight participants in an intervention and they must all have first hand knowledge of the addict’s problem. Some members may live in other cities who need to travel to the intervention. If they are not able to be there physically, they can participate through a phone call, video chat, or have their letter read by another team member. It is especially important to have some participants who have leverage, i.e., they have the power to precipitate actual consequences on the addict. For example, this can include an employer who will no longer employ them if they do not get help or a family member who they depend on financially who will no longer support them if they do not choose addiction treatment.
An intervention specialist may not be necessary but one will increase the likelihood of a successful intervention. They are trained to facilitate difficult conversations surrounding substance abuse and can also manage the emotional and mental toll their conversations take on all sides. They can help develop a successful strategy, organize the meeting, assist members in preparing for the intervention, ensure the meeting stays on track and on set goals, and help the recipient get the addiction treatment they need. They are able to handle all logistical aspects of the intervention and the substance abuse program.
After an Intervention: Now What?
There are two possible outcomes after an intervention: your loved one chooses to continue using drugs or they choose to enter a recovery program. While continuing down the road of addiction is not the outcome you hoped for, it is important to follow through with the promises you made during the intervention process. Continuing to support them or not allowing them to face the consequences of their addiction could be enabling them. Although it is incredibly difficult to let your loved one face the penalties of their substance abuse, often individuals need to hit rock bottom before they accept the treatment they need.
The other result of an intervention is that your loved one recognizes their addiction and agrees to enter a recovery program. Ideally, they will leave for their recovery program immediately after the intervention. They will now spend a portion of their lives in a safe, secure environment undergoing medical detox and treatment for their addiction. Detoxing is important before beginning rehab as it rids the body of all harmful substances and allows them to participate in their program with clarity. Rehab programs vary in intensity and length which most depends on severity and longevity of addiction. Your loved one may spend several months in inpatient and outpatient programs that will consist of various behavioral health therapies, group therapy, family counseling, and other treatments aimed at addressing the underlying issues of addiction.
5 Things to Expect After an Intervention
- They refuse to get addiction treatment. This does not mean the end, some people need to feel further consequences before they get the help they need. You may need to stage a second intervention down the road.
- Your loved one accepts treatment and goes on to a recovery program. Recovery programs are available in inpatient and outpatient care settings depending on what is needed.
- Expect to participate in family therapy. You should be prepared to be part of their recovery program through family education and counseling sessions at their recovery program.
- Be prepared for a lifetime of recovery work. Addiction is a chronic disorder and your loved one will need to manage it for the rest of their life. Going to rehab does not cure them and there will be times they will struggle with their sobriety.
- They go to treatment, but relapse. Relapses happen and are part of the recovery process. It is important to not blame them or see them as a failure but rather support them in getting more help if necessary.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Get Support Before and After an Intervention with Help from Union First
Union First helps union workers, public service employees, and their families get substance abuse and mental health treatment. Our caring team can help you find the help needed to properly stage an intervention and find addiction treatment programs that fit your loved ones needs. We will match you with reputable drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs in your area that take your insurance. We also include job protection services which will help your loved one keep their employment while they take time off to go to drug or alcohol rehab. Our experts know federal and state laws that protect your job when seeking substance abuse or mental health treatment and will guide you on the proper steps to take to ensure your job, benefits, and salary stay the same. We offer a variety of services throughout the recovery journey and are available to assist 24/7.
If you would like help in staging an intervention but do not know where to start, please give us a call or chat online with us today.