Substance Abuse Intervention

How can a substance abuse intervention help?

An intervention specialist is usually a licensed psychologist or therapist who is trained in dealing with alcohol or drug addiction. They must possess the skills necessary in order to conduct and supervise the substance abuse intervention in a disciplined and orderly fashion. At the same time, they have to rely on family members, friends, loved ones, and even fellow employees to assist them during the substance abuse intervention and are involved with the individual in question.

the overall goal of substance abuse intervention

It is important to realize first and foremost that the overall goal of conducting any type of substance abuse intervention is the confronting of the addicted individual in a manner that is non-threatening and allows or enables them to see that their behavior is self-destructive. Additionally, the secondary goal is that the addicted individual needs to see how destructive their behavior is to family members, friends, and even their fellow employees. The ultimate goal of the substance abuse intervention is that the individual accepts the fact that he or she does have a problem and that they need to seek help immediately.

Understanding the individual

Realize that the addicted individual is dealing with denial issues and the delusion that they can stop being addicted whenever they choose. This creates the illusion of being able to heal themselves when in reality, they are incapable of doing so.

When is a substance abuse intervention necessary?

Determining whether or not you need to hire a intervention specialist depends on a number of aspects surrounding the addicted individual and their particular circumstances. Normally, you seek out their help when you are at your wit’s end for how to get the addicted individual into an alcohol or drug rehab program. No matter how you begged or pleaded the individual to get help, they have still resisted, so chances are, pursuing the use of a substance abuse intervention may now be the proper course of action. Most professionals involved with alcohol and drug addiction will tell you that if you have already been thinking about contacting a substance abuse intervention for help that it is time for you to do this. Most people do not typically ask themselves this question unless they feel that a problem exists. It’s fairly certain that if you are considering an intervention, that the person has already damaged themselves and suffered enough, as well as how those around them have suffered with their addiction. The bottom line is that most family members and friends tolerate the addiction far too long without taking steps to help the addicted individual. In the mean time, there is a good possibility that a variety of consequences are going to occur. These could be:
  • bad financial decisions
  • failed relationships
  • irresponsible behavior
  • losing one job after another
  • numerous DUI’s
Sometimes, family members and friends will attempt conducting these intervention sessions without the help of a professional. However, by the time that these people attempt this, it is too late and an intervention specialist needs to be enlisted in order to help the addicted individual. Additionally, the hiring of an intervention specialist brings with it the benefit of pre-intervention work which oftentimes ensures the best possible outcome.

One goal that you want to accomplish through substance abuse intervention

A goal that you want to accomplish through substance abuse intervention is to point out various incidences that justify the necessity of treatment and recovery. As a team member, you may have to issue an ultimatum which requires the addicted individual’s consenting to treatment. Just remember that an substance abuse intervention team member is similar to an employer who can make employment a condition of entering a treatment and recovery facility.

Watching a person self-destruct can be very painful

When your family member, friend, or loved one is dealing with an addiction issue, whether it is a substance addiction problem, or other type of addiction (eating, gambling, pornography, etc., it may be time to consult with a licensed professional at substance abuse intervention in order to seek out help for the suffering individual. Watching a person self-destruct by virtue of these can be very painful, and no matter what you do, sometimes it just isn’t enough. If an intervention is required, you might want to consider talking with one of our staff members to find out the best course of action.