What is an Intervention?

drug and alcohol interventions

A first step in the recovery process for someone who has a substance use disorder (SUD). There are two primary purposes for intervention; the first is to help the individual struggling with drug and alcohol addiction seek treatment. The second is to give the family a chance to reclaim the lives they lost due to a loved one’s substance abuse.

It is vital for the family to be involved with the process and execution of the meeting. By facing the people they have hurt the most the addict is confronted with the damage their behavior and addiction has caused. Often a person who abuses drugs and alcohol will refuse to see that they have a problem. However, once they are faced with the undeniable evidence that they have an addiction, they will be more open to receiving help.

It will be a learning process for everyone involved, family members will gain more insight into the cycle of abuse and how the disease works. At the same time the addict will begin to understand that their actions affect not only themselves, but everyone around them.

A professional interventionist will help facilitate the meeting between the family and the addict. However, it is the show of love and support between family and friends that is the most powerful tool in convincing a person to seek help.

Having the support and guidance of a professional will ease the stress that naturally occurs during these types of confrontations.

Professional Interventionist

Professional interventionists have years of experience in assisting families in confronting a loved one’s addiction. These experts will help families plan for the emotional experience and teach them how best to handle the situation. Since they have done this numerous times, they can plan ahead and act as a mediator between the family and the addict. The professional interventionist takes on the responsibility of convincing the addict to get help. By doing this, the family can focus on supporting their loved ones in a healthy, non-combative way.

Families will often not realize the harmful part they have played in regards to unintentionally aiding the addiction. Family members want to help the loved one by offering financial or emotional support. However, this can have the opposite effect and enable the addiction.

Family members and friends tend to put pressure on themselves to “fix” the addict when in reality, the only person that can solve the problem is the addict. The only thing friends and family are responsible for is to stage the intervention. A professional understands this and can relieve the burden that they have placed on themselves.

What Does an Interventionist Do?

An interventionist will come and discuss the meeting with the family and advise them on the best way to address the addict during the meeting. They will help the meeting run smoothly and keep everyone involved focused on the objective. It is especially important to have an interventionist present if:

  • The addict has mental health issues.
  • Things become violent.
  • The addict has shown signs of suicide.
  • There is instability due to mood swings caused by their alcohol or drug addiction.

The interventionist has trained for these types of situations and knows how to handle all parties involved. The purpose of using a professional is to convince the addict that they need help, without having the individual feel pressured. As the driving force, the interventionist will keep the conversation hopeful and focused, while at the same time pushing to reach the best outcome.

Addiction Treatment in St. Augustine

An intervention can be a safe and effective effort in persuading someone to not only enter a rehab, but to complete the program successfully. Dr. Paul’s By The Sea helps families communicate by connecting them with people who have experience with these types of situations. These experts will work to convince their loved ones to choose recovery.

Dr. Paul’s By The Sea offers different treatment plans that are specialized for people’s specific needs. Before the intervention, choosing treatment options can help get each client into the program quickly after the meeting while they are open and ready for change.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab in St Augustine Florida

Individuals who enter our treatment center right after an intervention have the best chance at long-term sobriety. Intervening early on and getting a family member into treatment can lead to the most positive and successful outcome for everyone involved.

The Benefits of Intervention

A family may decide to hold an intervention for different reasons, but often it involves some crises that forces them into action. People who are concerned for their loved ones dealing with substance abuse don’t have to wait until they hit rock bottom try to get them help. If you see a lot of negative consequences for their behavior and their drug use is affecting you on a personal level, then it is time to meet with the rest of the family to discuss a solution.

Your family can begin to decide how to respond to their behavior and determine how to resolve them. Families looking for help with interventions can consult with Dr. Paul’s By The Sea to be connected with someone that will offer their expertise. Professional interventionists can tailor their services to meet each family’s needs and create a positive, compassionate environment free from anger, resentment, or conflict.

Interventionists have enough experience to develop a strategy based on each unique situation as they carefully plan and design an intervention addressing the family’s concern. They can start with an assessment by speaking to each member of the group to understand the state of affairs. They will then plan a strategy and educate everyone on the best ways to handle an intervention. Each group must work with the interventionist to determine the optimal treatment options that are necessary for the person’s recovery.