Substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction can be a tricky health challenge. Unlike other forms of health challenges, such as diseases and disabilities, the health impacts of addiction may be masked. Many persons who live with an addiction may deny the presence of unhealthy behavioral patterns and consequences. One of the most significant challenges of helping someone with an addiction is helping them see the need for professional help. This is because many of them often deny the presence of a health challenge. A jarring report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2022 states that about 20.4 million people were diagnosed with SUD, but only 10.3% received treatment in the past year. In this article, we’ll explore what a drug intervention is, the role of a drug intervention specialist, and how to organize a successful one.
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What is a Drug Intervention Program?
A drug intervention program is a planned, specific program aimed at helping a loved one see the health consequences of their addiction behaviors and commit to seeking professional help. Drug intervention programs are different from therapy in that they are preliminary, and the end is that the person with addiction goes to therapy. Drug intervention programs may involve the professional help of a drug intervention specialist. These experts, also known as drug interventionists, are specially trained to plan and implement a drug intervention program. They are skilled at identifying and preventing potential pitfalls peculiar to each individual. Mental health professionals like doctors, nurses, and therapists may also serve as drug interventionists with the required credentials and training. Also, a drug intervention program is usually planned by relatives and loved ones and is exclusive.
Helpful Tips to Have a Successful Drug Intervention
A successful drug intervention requires a high amount of planning and specificity. A wrong decision or statement can impede its success. Here are some things you can do to ensure a successful drug intervention program.
Get advice from a specialist
It is easy to overlook this and try to convince a loved one without seeking professional help. However, a drug intervention should not be done haphazardly. A drug intervention specialist’s advice can refine your plan, how you want to communicate, and what you want to convey. So, you stand a better chance of having a successful intervention program if you involve a drug intervention specialist.
Decide who gets to be on the team
Choosing those who would make up the core team of a drug intervention program is crucial. Usually, friends and families who have the best interest of the person with addiction at heart should be the core members. You should avoid involving people who enable the addictive behaviors of your loved one or those who could upset them.
Gather relevant information
Before you attempt to hold a drug intervention program, it is also crucial you get the necessary information that could help you make a case and draw up a well-detailed plan. Information may include records of the health consequences of their addiction pattern, available treatment options, and rehabilitation service providers functional in your community.
Choose a convenient time and location
One may think that the location or time for the drug intervention is negligible, but they may go a long way in determining the outcomes of the intervention. It is vital that the person living with addiction feels safe in the chosen environment. The time of the drug intervention also matters; if the intervention holds when the person with addiction is not sober, it may be impossible to have a reasonable conversation with them on the health consequences of their addiction behavior.
Rehearse
Ensuring that everyone sticks to the agreed-upon conversational script is essential. Holding a drug intervention program where members speak spontaneously is risky and is not encouraged. Rehearsing can help identify words, languages, or conversations that could upset the subject, i.e., the person with addiction. It would help if you watched out for communication patterns that seem to shift blame or accuse the person living with addiction.
Offer a recovery plan
It is not enough for you to convince your loved one to seek professional help. A successful drug intervention should also present a recovery plan. A recovery plan may include the available treatment options and other forms of available support, such as support group systems.
Manage your expectations
The truth is that a drug intervention may not go just like you expect. Emotions are often high, and your loved one may even disagree and refuse the help you offer. You must be actively responsible for your feelings and not build castles in the air.
Decide the consequences of their choice
Should your loved one decide not to accept the help you offer, your response must also be clear. It is crucial that the decisions you make help them break free from the behaviors and benefits that could foster their addiction behaviors.
Follow-up
After a drug intervention program, you should also follow up on the matters raised during the program. Some may not respond positively at first. However, your consistent follow-up may persuade them to seek help eventually.
Addiction Treatment Services in Los Angeles
A successful joint intervention should lead to the uptake of rehabilitation services. We offer addiction treatment services at Grace Recovery, including detoxification programs, inpatient service, and dual diagnosis. We also provide a community for persons seeking to achieve recovery and wholeness. To explore our inpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles, contact us today to help your loved one begin their healing journey.
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