If you suspect that a friend or loved one may be struggling with drug addiction, you may feel unsure about what to do or how best to help them. After all, addiction is not an easy subject and can be an awkward topic of conversation even for close friends.
You mustn’t hesitate to reach out if you think someone you know is in danger from their substance use. Thankfully, there are professional drug intervention specialists who can help plan and execute an intervention that may facilitate the person getting the treatment they need. The following article details what you should expect when seeking assistance from a drug intervention specialist.
What Is A Drug Intervention?
A drug intervention is a planned, face-to-face meeting with a drug user. The goal of an intervention is to motivate the person to get help for their substance use. Interventions are typically led by family members or loved ones and may involve medical professionals or addiction treatment specialists.
There are many different styles of interventions, and interventions can vary in terms of length, format, and methods used to facilitate change. More than one intervention may be needed to help a person quit drugs.
Developing The Intervention Plan
You may be able to provide some general information about your loved one’s drug use during the initial meeting with a drug intervention specialist. However, it’s best to be as specific and thorough as possible when discussing your loved one’s drug use with a specialist.
It helps if you can include dates, details, and documentation (such as emails, texts, journals, or medical records) to support your statements. You may also be asked to provide information about your loved one’s drug use history and current substance use patterns. Intervention specialists ask for this information to help them assess your loved one’s risk of drug overdose and determine the best type of treatment for them.
The Intervention Meeting
Before you meet with your loved one to plan the intervention, you’ll want to make sure everyone is on the same page and has a clear idea of what to say. Because emotions can run high during interventions, it’s important to remain calm and collected throughout the meeting.
It is recommended that family members involved in the intervention connect with a drug intervention specialist before the meeting to discuss their concerns, role in the meeting, and how they intend to address their loved one’s drug use.
This will help you feel more prepared and clear-headed during the meeting. The meeting should take place in a safe, neutral location that minimizes distractions. You may want to consider using a moderator or establishing ground rules to help keep the meeting on track and respectful.
After The Meeting
After the meeting, you may feel relieved and optimistic about your loved one’s future. However, it’s important not to fall into a false sense of security or ignore any ongoing drug use. Continue to monitor your loved one’s behavior and drug use patterns, and try to provide them with continuous support and encouragement.
Your loved one must be the one who ultimately decides to get help for their drug use. You can support them by offering them information about treatment options and suggesting they speak to a doctor or therapist. You can also refer them to a drug helpline or find a support group in your area.
