Intervention Techniques

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Intervention Techniques

If drug addiction is contributing to an individual’s poor performance, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. An person's use of alcohol or drugs may be the root of the performance problem; however, substance abuse on the part of someone close to the individual also could be the source. Regardless, abuse of alcohol or other drugs inevitably leads to costly and potentially dangerous consequences at home or in the workplace unless action is taken to confront the issue.

Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Addiction
The following performance and behavior problems are common to many individuals who abuse alcohol and/or other drugs. It is important to note that if an individual displays these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean he or she has a substance abuse problem.

Performance at home or work
- inconsistent work quality
- poor concentration
- lowered productivity
- increased absenteeism
- unexplained disappearances from the jobsite
- carelessness, mistakes
- errors in judgment
- needless risk taking
- disregard for safety
- extended lunch periods and early departures
Behavior
- frequent financial problems
- avoidance of friends and colleagues
- blaming others for own problems and shortcomings
- complaints about problems at home
- deterioration in personal appearance
- complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses

Intervention

When an individual’s performance deteriorates for whatever reason, his/her friends and family have an obligation to intervene. They do not need to be an expert on alcohol and drug abuse to do so because the intervention should be focused on the individual’s performance problem.

The following principles of intervention may be followed by friends and family who need to confront a loved one about a performance problem that may be related to substance abuse.

Maintain control
- Stick to the facts as they affect the individual
- Do not rely on memory; have all supporting documents and records available
- Do not discuss alcohol or drug use
- Be clear and firm
- Be supportive, but avoid emotional involvement
- Offer help in resolving performance problems
- Identify resources for help in addressing personal problems