Category Archives: Addictions

Understanding the Intervention Process: Intervention Services as a Tool for a Successful Alcohol and Drug Intervention or Crisis Intervention

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Intervention Services

Understanding the intervention process is quite helpful prior to staging an intervention. Working with a professional interventionist can provide families and friends who wish to stage an intervention with unmatched intervention services that will result in a potentially higher success rate. A professional interventionist will profile treatment options available, will assist in developing a plan of action, will hold a pre-intervention meeting, will facilitate the intervention itself, will be involved in the treatment admission process, will provide post-intervention free consultations, and will provide post-treatment services.

Alcohol and Drug Intervention

An alcohol and drug intervention addresses individuals who suffer from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. The primary goal is to help the individual acknowledge the problem, and to then encourage him or her to get professional help. Those present at the intervention should express any fears or concerns they have, but in a supportive and encouraging manner. The ultimate goal is that by the end of the intervention, the individual will willingly agree to participate in a recovery program.

Crisis Intervention

One definition of “crisis” is a situation or period in which things are very uncertain, difficult, or painful, especially a time when action must be taken to avoid complete disaster or breakdown. Experiencing a crisis could include sexual abuse, domestic violence, crime, injury, natural disaster, war, suicide, etc. Events such as these can be extremely traumatizing and can increase a person’s risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder. In order to avoid this risk, a crisis intervention may be staged. A crisis intervention attempts to assist the individual confront the reality of their trauma and move forward with a positive attitude. The intervention employs psychological first aid, which involves establishing a rapport with the victim, gathering information for short-term assessment and service delivery, and averting a potential state of crisis.

Executive Treatment: Alcohol Drug Treatment and Achieving Sober Living

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Executive Treatment

Our economy is not as good as we all wish it was. The job market is scarce. People are being laid off left and right. Being at the top of all this seems ideal—having power, control, and money. However, life as an executive, or as a professional in the business world is not easy. After a long day at work, with looming deadlines, and endless meetings, it’s no wonder many of these executives turn to alcohol or drugs for stress relief. A drink after work might turn into a night of drowning sorrows and little sleep. It becomes a cycle, until quickly, it is no longer a choice, it is an addiction—an addiction that could ultimately destroy a career. Executive treatment is a specialized treatment form that employs various techniques geared towards the values and beliefs of executives. Treatment is very discreet, in order to protect their reputations and careers.

Alcohol Drug Treatment

Alcohol and drugs are common escape routes for executives. Therefore, executive rehab often includes alcohol drug treatment. These executives must learn how to get through their days without relying on prescription drugs, or the bottle of scotch waiting at home. In alcohol drug treatment, individuals are taught various skills and tools that will increase their strength and confidence. It is important to remember that stress in the workplace will continue to exist after the completion of rehab. Therefore, individuals who participate in executive rehab are taught healthy, drug-free ways of dealing with these pressures. A key part of successful relapse prevention is learning how to better handle future stress.

Sober Living

After completing an executive rehab program, the goal is that the individual will feel confident in his or her ability to maintain sober living and confident in his or her abilities to handle stress and pressure.

The Journey to Sober Living: Inpatient Alcohol Rehab and Drug Program Rehab

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Sober Living

There are a number of steps one must take in order to maintain a sober lifestyle. Sober living is not something that is easy for everyone. Once an individual loses grasp on how to live a sober lifestyle it can take months, even years to regain this strength and ability. Learning sober living is a journey that requires time, dedication, and effort. Individuals must first confront their addiction and come to terms with the fact that they need help. Once they have done this, they must select a treatment program that addresses their specific needs. Family and friends should assist them in this decision, perhaps with professional help as well. Treatment can be approached in many ways. Inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab are the two most common forms of treatment.

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

One treatment option is inpatient alcohol rehab. Inpatient alcohol rehab is a comprehensive approach to recovery. Individuals who reside in an inpatient alcohol rehab center will stay for an extended period of time, which can last anywhere from a week, to 30 days, to 6 months. Individuals are under constant observation from counselors, doctors, therapists, etc. This way, their progress can be tracked in a structured manner. Often, they will participate in an assortment of treatment methods such as detoxification, one-on-one counseling, group counseling, 12-step programs, physical exercise and activity, etc. Combining all of these methods makes for a very comprehensive experience that is often very successful.

Drug Program Rehab

Participation in a drug program rehab is similar, but has a more specialized focus on individuals suffering from drug addiction. Individuals confront why they have chosen drugs as their outlet, and how to change this. They work in collaboration with other individuals suffering from drug addiction, and are able to support and applaud each others success.

Wanting Recovery: Staging a Drug Alcohol Intervention or a Crisis Intervention

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Intervention

One of the most important elements of an intervention is the attitude of the individual who requires intervening. Denial of the problem is commonplace among drug addicts, alcoholics, etc. Individuals suffering from some form of compulsive behavior, particularly those involving chemical substances, tend to either deny the severity of the problem, saying they could quit if they wanted to, or legitimately are unaware of how serious their behavior has become. The intervention aims to reveal the severity, and help the individual acknowledge that he or she needs help. One additional element that is important is whether or not the individual wants to recover. If he or she actively wants to recover, the process will be more much successful. However, if he or she does not want to recover, family and friends will have to be persistent. Resisting help is not uncommon, but it is important to find out if this resistance is due to pride and embarrassment, in which case persistence will help.

Drug Alcohol Intervention

A drug alcohol intervention addresses victims of drug abuse and/or alcohol abuse. The goal is to assist them in acknowledging the severity of their addiction, and facilitating their entrance into a drug and alcohol recovery program.

Crisis Intervention

A crisis intervention is administered in a slightly different manner than a drug alcohol intervention. Crisis interventions address victims who have experienced a traumatic event and are consequentially at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Experiencing a traumatic event such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, crime, suicide, a natural disaster, etc., can be extremely isolating and distressing. A crisis intervention should be performed as soon as possible to help avoid any additional pain or disturbance. By using psychological first aid, the interventionist will assist the individual in confronting the reality of what has happened, and moving forward with a positive attitude.

Addressing the Throes of Teen Addiction: Staging an Adolescent Intervention or a Family Intervention

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Teen Addiction

ad·dic·tion n

1. A state of physiological or psychological dependence on a drug liable to have a damaging effect

2. A great interest in something to which a lot of time is devoted

Addiction is a debilitating disease that can result in both temporary and permanent physical and mental damage. Teens are extremely susceptible to peer pressure, which can result in experimentation with both drugs and alcohol. While some teens may not go beyond experimentation, others will begin to use drugs and alcohol in excess, which could eventually result in teen addiction. Teen addiction is a very serious epidemic that must be taken seriously.

Adolescent Intervention

In order to address teen addiction, a family may choose to perform an adolescent intervention. An early adolescent intervention intends to help an adolescent acknowledge his or her addiction(s) and begin to make positive changes in his or her life. Because an adolescent is still developing both mentally and physically, his or her brain is still developing and is therefore at a heightened risk for permanent damage. It is important that an adolescent intervention occurs as early as possible to avoid any extra risks. The ultimate goal is that the intervention will guide the adolescent into a teen addiction treatment program immediately.

Family Intervention

A family intervention is recommended for teen addiction. Having a supportive and encouraging family is extremely beneficial, if not necessary, to the recovery of a teen suffering from addiction. It is important that during a family intervention, the teen does not feel scolded, or shamed. Rather, the family members should be encouraging and supportive as they express their fears and concerns. The goal of the family intervention is to promote positive change, and guide the teen into an addiction recovery program.

Reclaiming Sober Living: Alcohol Center Treatment and Executive Treatment

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Sober Living

Once you have lost your grasp on sober living, it can be extremely difficult to get it back. Alcoholism is an extremely damaging disease both physically and mentally. Losing sight of how to live sober is something that happens when an individual allows alcohol to take control of his or her life. Reclaiming the ability to achieve sober living is a process that involves time, commitment, dedication, and support. It is no easy task, and individuals who have the strength to confront their alcoholism have taken the first step towards recovery.

Alcohol Center Treatment

The second step towards achieving sober living is enlisting in alcohol center treatment. Alcohol center treatment addresses alcoholism as a disease and provides participants with the skills and the tools needed to regain strength and achieve sobriety. Alcohol center treatment often begins with a detoxification period, followed by one-on-one counseling, group counseling, and other forms of therapy. One important part of the curriculum included in many residential alcohol centers is community activities that provide residents with physical exercise, such as sports, horseback riding, yoga, etc. It is extremely important for residents to work on their general wellbeing, which includes improving their emotional health and physical health.

Executive Treatment

One form of alcohol treatment is executive treatment. Executive treatment is a type of treatment program geared towards executives and other individuals in the business world. Executives are extremely susceptible to alcoholism as their jobs involve a great deal of pressure and stress. Alcohol is a type of outlet used to escape this stress and pressure. Executive rehab programs target characteristics of executives and provide specialized treatment programs. Participants in executive rehab treatment are paired with an alcohol and drug addiction counselor who is there to help them work through their problems with chemical dependency.

Making Use of the Services Illustrated on the Intervention TV Show: Drug and Alcohol Interventions and Crisis Interventions

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Intervention TV Show

The intervention TV show on AE is a good illustration of the negative implications of compulsive behavior such as drug addiction and alcoholism, and the large effort that goes into staging an intervention to address such behavior. The show profiles various individuals who are suffering from some form of compulsive behavior, and illustrates the isolating and debilitating effect this behavior is having on their life. Every episode ends with a staged intervention. These accounts can provide audience members with real life examples of how intervention services can be of benefit.

Drug and Alcohol Intervention

A drug and alcohol intervention addresses victims of alcoholism and drug addiction. Alcoholism and drug addiction are both a disease of chemical dependency. The intervention can assist the individual in confronting the disease, and geting proper treatment.

Crisis Intervention

A crisis intervention is structured differently from a drug and alcohol intervention. A crisis intervention addresses victims of trauma. Traumatic events that are not properly attended to can often lead the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder is defined as a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one’s own or someone else’s physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, overwhelming the individual’s ability to cope. A crisis intervention is structured around psychological first aid, survivor needs assessment and empathetic support, and recovery intervention. The intervention should be staged as soon as possible to prevent the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in the individual. Additionally, the sooner they confront the reality of what has happened to them, the sooner they can move on and regain their strength and their happiness.

Conducting a Drug Intervention and the Next Steps: Inpatient Drug Program Rehab and Outpatient Drug Rehab

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Drug Intervention

The first step towards recovering is acknowledging that the problem exists, and doing something about it. Some individuals are not afraid to admit to their weaknesses, in which case they may ask for help. Others are afraid of admitting to failure or to weakness, in which case you may need to stage a drug intervention. But what happens after you’ve conducted the drug intervention?

Inpatient Drug Program Rehab

One option for recovering drug addicts is participation in an inpatient drug program rehab. Inpatient rehabilitation programs require participants to commit to an extended stay at a residential treatment center. By residing in the center, the individual is forced to live and breathe recovery. The length of his or her stay depends on his or her progress. For some people, 30 days is enough to get them back on their feet. For others, it could take 3-6 months. Inpatient drug rehabilitation programs are comprehensive programs that require a commitment and dedication. Individuals who participate will work under constant surveillance. They will participate in detoxification programs, individual therapy and counseling, group therapy sessions, etc. Additionally community activities such as sports, yoga, horseback riding, etc., are offered at many centers to incorporate some sense of fun and to allow individuals to form relationships with others who are participating in the program.

Outpatient Drug Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab is the second option for individuals who wish to recover from drug addiction. Outpatient rehab is a less intensive form of recovery that allows individuals to recover while maintaining his or her job, or life outside of their addiction. Examples of outpatient rehab include intensive outpatient care, weekly and bi-weekly outpatient individual and group therapy sessions, 12-step programs, etc.

Teen Addiction: Staging an Adolescent Intervention or a Family Intervention

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Teen Addiction

Adolescence is a term that was coined to describe the changing period between childhood and adulthood—it is a stage to pass through, where mistakes and mishaps are acceptable. Adolescence is illustrated as a period of crisis and change. Experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and sex is extremely common during this period. While some youth are able to experiment in moderation, others reach a point of excess. Peer pressure can lead to binge drinking, rampant drug abuse, and unprotected sexual promiscuity. Teenagers are at an age where their bodies and personalities are still developing. Compulsive behavior such as drug abuse and binge drinking can seriously damage their physical and emotional health, either temporarily or permanently. Teen addiction is a very serious matter that should be taken seriously. If a family member or a friend suspects anything, it is important to act immediately.

Adolescent Intervention

One option for families who are dealing with an addicted teen is an adolescent intervention. Staging an adolescent intervention involves appropriate planning and organization. Families oftentimes will work with an intervention specialist who can assist in developing a plan of action. The intervention specialist can also be present at the intervention and can facilitate and provide structured guidance. The goal is to balance structure and organized guidance with encouragement and support. If successful, the adolescent intervention will be the tipping point, and the teen will agree to participate in a recovery program.

Family Intervention

A family intervention can be extremely difficult. It takes a great deal of dedication and commitment to perform a family intervention, as some see it as an act of betrayal. However, it is an act of love and support. Family members must be encouraging and supportive throughout the intervention process and the recovery process. If an individual feels that they have a proper support network, the likelihood of them participating in a recovery program is greatly increased.

A Step In The Right Direction: Applying Intervention Services to Improve a Drug Intervention or Alcoholism Intervention

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Intervention Services

The intervention services that can be provided by an intervention specialist are incredibly reliable and useful. Staging an intervention with a loved one can be an extremely tolling process, both emotionally and physically. Working with a professional interventionist can make for a more organized and structured process with increased chances for success. A professional interventionist can generally provide the following; profile treatment options available, assist in developing a plan of action, hold a pre-intervention meeting, facilitate the intervention, be present for and facilitate the treatment admission process, provide post-intervention free consultations, and provide post-treatment services. The advantages that come with working with a professional are immeasurable.

Drug Intervention

A drug intervention addresses the debilitating disease of drug addiction. Drug addiction is a dangerous, sometimes fatal, compulsive behavior. Drug addicts are often unaware of the severity of their disease, in some state of denial, or have reached the point where they no longer care about their health or safety. A drug intervention addresses this by helping the individual confront their addiction head-on. The goal is that with the combined support from family and friends, the individual will recognize that they have reached a low-point in their life and they need help. A professional interventionist can help find treatment programs for the individual. The hope is that by the end of the intervention, the individual will be open to participating in a drug addiction treatment program.


Alcoholism Intervention

An alcoholism intervention is implemented in a similar manner, but addresses victims of alcohol abuse. Alcoholism, like drug addiction, is a disease. A chemical dependency is formed, and oftentimes requires professional assistance. The alcoholism intervention can provide the individual with the encouragement and support needed for participation in an alcohol recovery program.