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Seeking Help For a Drug Intervention?

If you are concerned for the wellbeing of a family member, close friend, or co-worker who is displaying symptoms of compulsive behavior, don’t sit on the sidelines—get them help. An intervention is an action undertaken by family members, friends, co-workers, and others who may be concerned in an attempt to encourage and assist an individual to change his or her behavior in a positive manner. Sometimes the intervention is enough of a push to get the individual to make some positive life changes, and sometimes the goal is to coerce the individual into a treatment plan for recovery. Those involved should use their discretion depending on the type of compulsive behavior and depending on the severity of it. Examples of compulsive behavior or unhealthy behavior that may require a drug intervention include addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs, nicotine, food, the Internet, sex, spending/shopping, and gambling; the need for nursing home or medical care; domestic violence issues; and chronic pain with addiction.

When to Employ Intervention Services

Deciding when an intervention is needed can be difficult, and it is often recommended that families and friends who wish to stage an intervention consult a professional. The intervention services that a professional interventionist can provide can be extremely advantageous and can increase the likelihood for success. The intervention process aims to inform the individual on the negative implications of his or her actions and aims to encourage him or her to participate in a treatment program, or a recovery program immediately.

Staging the Intervention

If you have even the slightest concern that this individual is putting his or her life at risk or is damaging his or her physical and emotional health even the slightest bit, get them help immediately and stage an intervention. The risk of losing them forever, or them permanently damaging his or her health is too high.