Because drug interventions are relatively rare for most families, many people are unsure of some of the practical matters surrounding such an event. The big picture is clear--the goal of a drug intervention is to get an addicted loved one to enter treatment. Oftentimes, families are so anxious that they overlook some of the small details involved in an intervention that can be a little more difficult. Here are a few of the most important practical matters that families have to deal with when conducting interventions.
The leadership role
It is usually best to choose two or three people to take leadership of the event. Otherwise, things become too complicated and even contentious. If you think it would help, you may also want to hire a professional interventionist to guide your family through the process.
Keeping it a secret
Tell as few people as possible in the weeks and days leading up to the intervention. This way, there will be less risk that word of the drug intervention will get back to the addict. And when you do tell people, make it absolutely clear that the event is a secret and that surprise is crucial. It is vital that the addict is surprised by the intervention so that there is little opportunity to reject the help that is being offered.
Transporting the addict to treatment
Prior to the drug intervention, decide who will transport the addict to treatment should he or she decide to enter rehab. Some addicts are very deep in their addiction and may even be violent or uncontrollable. If this is the case, a professional interventionist or team may be the answer to dealing with these types of violent behaviors. This may seem like a minor concern, but you want to be able to keep the momentum going rather than having to discuss who should be in charge of this step.
Following up
The drug intervention process does not end when the event itself is over. Everyone who is involved needs to keep their promise to support the addict, and this means continuing to follow up, being available for emotional support, and being ready to help pick up the addict should he or she stumble along the way. Sometimes a relapse may happen and this is the time when supporters must help to get the addict back on the right track toward recovery. Participating in a drug intervention should be a long-term commitment.
The leadership role
It is usually best to choose two or three people to take leadership of the event. Otherwise, things become too complicated and even contentious. If you think it would help, you may also want to hire a professional interventionist to guide your family through the process.
Keeping it a secret
Tell as few people as possible in the weeks and days leading up to the intervention. This way, there will be less risk that word of the drug intervention will get back to the addict. And when you do tell people, make it absolutely clear that the event is a secret and that surprise is crucial. It is vital that the addict is surprised by the intervention so that there is little opportunity to reject the help that is being offered.
Transporting the addict to treatment
Prior to the drug intervention, decide who will transport the addict to treatment should he or she decide to enter rehab. Some addicts are very deep in their addiction and may even be violent or uncontrollable. If this is the case, a professional interventionist or team may be the answer to dealing with these types of violent behaviors. This may seem like a minor concern, but you want to be able to keep the momentum going rather than having to discuss who should be in charge of this step.
Following up
The drug intervention process does not end when the event itself is over. Everyone who is involved needs to keep their promise to support the addict, and this means continuing to follow up, being available for emotional support, and being ready to help pick up the addict should he or she stumble along the way. Sometimes a relapse may happen and this is the time when supporters must help to get the addict back on the right track toward recovery. Participating in a drug intervention should be a long-term commitment.
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