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It may seem difficult to reach a loved one who has become dependent on drugs and denies help every time. However, it is not the end of the road. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of the person, you can stage an intervention that convinces them to get help. But it can backfire if handled poorly. Let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts of a successful intervention for drug addiction.
Dos of a Successful Drug Intervention
Consult an Experienced Healthcare Professional
Get in touch with a qualified drug intervention specialist who has experience in handling drug addiction interventions. This professional can guide you through the planning phases and conduct the actual intervention event in the right way.
Supervision from an experienced professional increases the chances of a successful intervention. While such experts can provide you with an outline for the event, they also know how to handle a situation if the intervention encounters an obstacle. Since interventions can be a highly charged emotional situation, you need a professional to handle it.
Thoroughly Plan Everything
When you decide that you want to hold an intervention for drug addiction for a loved one, you need to spend a significant amount of time planning everything about the intervention. It is important to acknowledge that you cannot do it alone.
You also need the involvement of family members, friends, and colleagues. Each individual can contribute some points toward the intervention. Have a few trial runs before and make sure everyone knows their role. Proper planning can help everyone prepare for obstacles and practice healthy ways to respond to certain challenges.
Set Boundaries to Show Love
While you try to persuade a loved one to get professional help, they may refuse and ask you to leave them be. In some cases, people struggling with drug addiction try to project that you are being cruel by insisting they get the necessary support and care. If you truly love them, it is important that you set firm boundaries and reinforce them during the intervention.
If your loved one is struggling with drug addiction or other types of substance abuse, you need to set boundaries for them during the intervention. You should be able to explain that these boundaries come from a space of love and concern. They also intended to help and not punish.
Don’ts of a Successful Drug Intervention
Do Not Approach the Addict When They Are High
The timing of the drug addiction intervention is extremely crucial. If you conduct the intervention when the person in question is under the influence of drugs, your plans may not work. Find the right time when the loved one will be most lucid and coherent, and plan your intervention during that period.
Do Not Be Judgmental
During an intervention, people often end up saying things that complicate the situation even more. Telling addicts that the way they are living their lives is “wrong,” calling them names, or reminding them how big a failure they are can have adverse consequences. These actions can also push the loved one further away. The goal is to provide them with a non-judgmental, safe environment, enabling them to seek help.
Do Not Allow Excuses
When a person is addicted to drugs, they often try to stretch out their usage of drugs for as long as possible using excuses. The enabling behavior of family and friends also contributes to such prolonged usage of drugs. While conducting an intervention, you should not accept excuses from the person. Also, you should avoid making any excuses on their behalf.
Do Not Wait for the Next Steps
If your intervention has been successful and the person has agreed to get professional help, do not waste any more time. It is recommended that you admit your loved one to your chosen treatment center. In several cases, the addicts often change their minds after the intervention and find new ways to avoid getting help. If you have already consulted a healthcare professional and created a treatment plan for a loved one, you should not waste your time waiting.
Conclusion
An intervention can be highly effective in helping your loved one get help and start their journey towards recovery. However, it is important that you stage the intervention carefully. Now that you know the dos and don’ts, it is time to plan the intervention with others who care about this individual.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
