“Why can’t he/she just stop using drugs or alcohol?” This is the question that family members and loved ones can’t find an answer to. For the most part, neither can the person addicted to drugs and alcohol. Addiction carries the major symptom of denial, a defense mechanism that automatically kicks in. There is an overwhelming need for the addict to protect alcohol and drug usage as they typically have no idea how they will cope without it nor do they want to find out.
When a loved one does not seem to want help or even realize that he/she has a problem with alcohol or drugs, it can be very discouraging. Attempting to convince the person into a recovery program on your own may be overwhelming, ineffective and even dangerous. That is why we provide professional intervention services at Pacific Palms Recovery.
Do we need a professional intervention?
If family members or loved ones wait until the individual is ready to quit drinking or taking drugs, they’ll likely be waiting until it’s too late. A professional intervention can be extremely helpful in breaking through the defenses of denial. Interventions typically involve friends, family members and a professional interventionist in a non-judgmental form of confrontation that invites the addict or alcoholic to seek help. Typically, interventions stand a better chance of being successful if conducted by people the individual knows and trusts. The person being confronted may feel cornered and get angry or defensive. An interventionist serves as a mediator, guiding communication between loved ones and the individual concerned.
Preparing for the Intervention
Prior to the intervention, those involved in the intervention generally meet to role play possible scenarios. It’s important to have an idea of what to do in any given situation and determine possible consequences. You cannot force someone to get sober but you can make it uncomfortable if he or she refuses help. For example, if the addict is living at home the family may say they are no longer welcome to stay unless they agree to get help. The right coaching in any given scenario can greatly increase chances of getting the individual into recovery. Motivation to get sober doesn’t always come with an intervention – it may not come until the person is safely in a recovery program.
The Right Time for the Intervention
The right time for an intervention is as soon as possible. If your loved one refuses to get help in spite of continued begging, pleading and negative consequences, it’s likely the right time to bring in a professional. You have the option to consult with a professional about intervention services at Pacific Palms Recovery to determine if it’s the right course of action for you.
Enabling
Family members and friends all too often try to protect the addict from his or her own behavior, padding the consequences that could occur as a result. It’s typical for those who interact with the addict on a regular basis to exhibit enabling or co-dependent behaviors, such as calling in to school or work for the loved one because they are too sick to get out of bed. It is vital that family and friends heed the advice of professionals in order to prevent this type of rescuing that makes it easier for the addict to continue his or her behavior. The individual needs to experience the full effect of his or her behavior.
Pacific Palms Recovery offers professional intervention services and individualized drug and alcohol programs for 30, 60, 90 days. If you are considering the possibility of an intervention on your loved one, don’t wait until it’s too late. Our professional intake coordinators can help answer any question you may have about scheduling an intervention and getting your loved the help they need.
