When a group of people stage a drug intervention, they attempt to convince an addict to seek help for whatever addiction they're battling.
An important aspect of staging an intervention is to incorporate the professional help of an intervention specialist. An intervention specialist is a mental health professional that is trained and specializes in the organization and execution of interventions. They help keep the group focused and make sure they stay on the right track during the meeting.
Goals
Intervention specialists focus on the goals of the intervention, and must make sure they're met throughout the event in order for it to be as effective as possible. Some of the goals include:
- educating family and friends on what the addict is feeling and how their addiction works
- assisting family and friends to help the addict understand they need help
- preparing the family for what to expect during the intervention
- keeping the intervention on track and productive
- recommending a treatment program best tailored to the addict's personal needs
Stages of the Intervention
Preparation is the first stage of the intervention. Planning an intervention is crucial. Enlisting the help of an intervention specialist can help everything run smoothly. They help the group with preparing and figuring out options if the addict wants to seek help.
The day of the intervention is important because the addict may need convincing to stay and participate. The specialist can help persuade the addict because they've been trained to do so. If and when the addict agrees on staying, family members and friends attending the intervention will take turns telling him or her how their addiction has negatively impacted their lives. They will tell the addict they are concerned with their substance abuse problem, and that they want them to seek professional help.
After the intervention is complete, the addict can make the decision to seek help, or else. People staging interventions usually set strict boundaries for the addict should they choose not to seek help. Often, this is discontinuing to enable the addict's substance abuse in one way or another. Sometimes this is disallowing the addict to live in their home, discontinuing to financially support the addict, or completely removing the addict from their life.
If you think you or someone you know could benefit from the help of a drug intervention specialist, contact any of our counselors and staff members for advice.
