Addiction Intervention
It has been said that only 15% of all addicts will seek help. That means that millions of people will eventually die in addiction never seeking help. An addiction treatment intervention could be the answer. We’ve all heard that addicts “have to want” sobriety, but if that person is close to you it is hard to sit and wait until they’re ready. An addiction intervention is a planned, structured process that steers the non-compliant prospective patient towards help and treatment. A trained interventionist, with the help of friends and family, will facilitate the whole process. The interventionist then works out arrangements for admission to a facility and can accompany them to the treatment center they have chosen.
Does someone you know need an addiction intervention?
Every time the phone rings are you worried what bad news it will bring? When your loved one, who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, leaves do you fear it will be the last time you see them alive? Are you afraid that something tragic will happen and you will be left with feelings of guilt because you didn’t do something? Are you at your wit’s end with your loved one and their addiction? Have you exhausted all of your resources to help the addict? If the answer is yes to any of these questions then it might be time for an intervention.
Recovery Ways and our trained admission coordinators can help you and your family secure and interventionist. We work with an extensive network of exceptional addiction treatment intervention professionals and can help you and your family place your loved one in treatment as soon as possible.
What is an intervention?
A successful addiction intervention is never spontaneous. Family, friends or co-workers together plan to confront a loved one about his or her self-destructive behavior (generally an addiction to drugs or alcohol) and to get the loved one to seek professional help by checking into a drug rehabilitation center. There are two types of interventions:
Informal
An informal intervention can be as simple as having a one-on-one conversation with the alcohol or drug dependent person in which you ask questions or make observations about how their behavior has negatively affected their life and yours.
Formal
A formal intervention is a structured conversation with the addictive person that involves a group of people who are important to the addict. Formal interventions are usually used when the addictive person repeatedly refuses to get help. It is encouraged that this confrontation is done with dignity and respect. Clear instructions for getting help are provided along with clear consequences if the help is refused. Often there is a prior meeting where plans are set and the group practices what they are going to say to the addict.
Addiction treatment interventions can be done alone or with the help of an interventionist, but interventions without professional guidance should be navigated very carefully, if not avoided altogether. Interventionists are specially trained addiction counselors who can help you conduct the intervention in a safe and often more productive manner. Working with a professional also allows you to focus on your personal contribution to the intervention and let go of the pressure of managing everyone and keeping a positive but firm environment. The interventionist will assist you and your loved ones from the planning the intervention, to escorting your loved one to the rehab facility, to aftercare and recovery.
The goal of an intervention is to get the person to agree to get help immediately by attending a drug and alcohol treatment program. Just promising to stop the behavior is not an acceptable conclusion.
What behaviors can be addressed?
Interventions can be used to address several self-destructive behaviors. The most commonly thought of interventions are for drug or alcohol abuse, but they can also be used for eating disorders, sex addiction, gambling, self-mutilation, internet/computer addiction, and several types of poor personal health care decisions or actions that are harmful. Addiction treatment programs in Utah are available for these behaviors.
How do I choose a good interventionist?
A good interventionist is usually a licensed or certified professional and will have specialized training in interventions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their experience, qualifications and skills. The most important thing when choosing an interventionist is that you trust the person. If you feel uneasy or don’t agree with their methods, move on.
At Recovery Ways we work with a network of highly trained and exceptional interventionist across the country. Our admissions staff will be happy to give you the name and contact information for someone who will suit your individual needs. To speak with an admission coordinator contact us by calling 888.986.7848.