If a loved one is struggling with addiction, waiting for him or her to hit rock bottom or decide to seek treatment is not the best approach to dealing with the situation. The issue of dependency on drugs or alcohol affects the entire family, not just the addict. And the longer the situation is allowed to continue, the more deeply entrenched the disease will become.
Ignoring the problem or making excuses for someone else’s behavior until he or she is “ready” to change is not going to bring the matter to a resolution. Family interventions are the best way to get someone you care for into an inpatient treatment program.
What Is An Intervention?
An intervention is a type of meeting where a group of concerned individuals (family and close friends) get together to present a united front to persuade a person to seek help or treatment for a problem. Ideally, it is held in a neutral location and the discussion somewhere private. This is not a family outing that you can hold in a restaurant or other public place.
Involving A Professional Interventionist
Many families work with a professional interventionist to guide them through this process. These are counselors who can explain how the intervention process works and answer any questions the family may have in advance. The counselor will want to meet with the family members in advance and spend some time getting to know them. Each family is different, and no two interventions are going to be exactly alike.
Everyone who will be present on the day of the intervention will be asked to write a letter that explains exactly how their loved one’s addiction has affected him or her. The goal is not to be angry or confrontational, but rather to share the impact the addiction has had on the entire family in a caring manner.
Consequences For Refusing To Go To A Drug Or Alcohol Treatment Program
Ideally, arrangements have been made in advance for the person to go directly into treatment if he or she agrees to get help. The decision always needs to rest with the individual; however, there needs to be clear consequences for refusing to get help. Family members need to be clear that they are no longer willing to support an addicted family member who continues to drink or use drugs.
Above It All Treatment Center can offer a number of treatment options for your loved one. Our custom drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs are based on each client’s individual needs. We offer short term, long term, and sober living options to help clients achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.
The first step to get on the road to a better life is to get your loved one to agree to seek help. Family interventions bring matters to a head and help you reach that goal.