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Drug Intervention

Drug intervention is a process that helps a drug addict recognize the extent of their problem. Individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol usually do not know their addiction is out of control. They tend to look at those around them as a measure of how right or wrong their actions are. These individuals need objective feedback on their behavior. It is through a non-judgmental, non-critical, systematic drug intervention process that the individual is able to see their own lifestyle choices. When they truly understand the impact that their alcohol dependence or drug addiction has on others, they may truly begin to see they are hurting those around them.

The goal of drug intervention is for the addict to accept the reality of their drug addiction and to seek help. The process of conducting a drug intervention is a difficult and delicate matter. It is important that it is done correctly, otherwise the individual may feel cornered and become defensive. Advice from a trained professional is useful in determining the proper strategy and timing for your specific drug intervention.

1. Stop all "rescue missions." Family members often try to protect the individual from the results of his behavior by making excuses to others about his problem and by getting him out of jams. It is important to stop all such rescue attempts immediately, so that the person will fully experience the harmful effects of his actions thereby become more motivated to stop.

2. Don't enable him. Sometimes family members feel sorry for the person or tend to avoid the person, by letting him come and go as he pleases. This comes across to the person as a reward-after all, all he wants is to be left alone. Be careful not to reward by paying his bills, bailing him out of jail, letting him stay for free, etc. This kind of reward creates out exchange and criminal behavior.

3. Time your intervention. If possible, plan to talk with the person when he is straight, when all of you are in a calm frame of mind and when you can speak privately.

4. Be specific. Tell the person that you are concerned about his problems and want to be supportive in getting help. Back up your concern with examples of the ways in which his behavior has caused problems for you, including any recent incidents.

5. State the consequences. Tell the person that until he gets help, you will carry out consequences-not to punish the person, but to protect yourself from the harmful effects of his behavior. These may range from refusing to be with the person when they are under the influence of a drug or alcohol, to having them move out of the house if they persist. Do NOT make any threats you are not prepared to carry out. The basic intention is to make the person's life more uncomfortable if he continues the behavior than it would be for him to get help.

6. Find strength in numbers with the help of family members, relatives and friends to confront the person as a group but choose one person to be the initial spokesperson, an intervention counselor if possible should be present. It will be much more effective for the others to simply be there nodding their heads, than it would be for everyone to talk at once and "gang up on him." Remember the idea is to make it safe for him to come clean and seek help.

7. Listen. If during your intervention the person begins asking questions like; Where would I have to go? For how long? This is a sign that he is reaching for help. Do not directly answer these questions. Instead have him call in to talk to a professional. Support him. Don't wait. Once you've gotten his agreement, get him admitted immediately. Therefore, you should have a bag packed for him, any travel arrangements made and prior acceptance into treatment.