14 Jun How Do You Know When it is Time to Stage an Intervention?
Staging an intervention for people who are struggling with addiction is an effective way to convince reluctant individuals to seek professional help. Interventions are carefully planned meetings consisting of concerned loved ones, an addiction specialist, and the person living with addiction. The group shares their concerns and offers help to their loved ones.
The ultimate goal of an intervention is to convince someone to go to rehab, however, many family members and friends wonder whether or not it is the right time for an intervention. So, how do you know when it is the right time to stage an intervention? Well, it’s always best to speak with a professional before doing anything. A qualified addiction professional can learn about your loved one’s needs and help you get them the help that they need.
In general, the best time to host an intervention depends on the availability of participants, the mindset of the addicted individual, and the circumstances surrounding his or her substance abuse.
Signs That Your Loved One Is Struggling With Addiction
First, it’s crucial to be able to spot the signs of addiction. You cannot help someone who is struggling without being able to identify their problem. Some common signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol problem include:
- Lying to friends and family about substance abuse, whereabouts, or personal affairs
- Experiencing a physical or mental health problem as a result of substance abuse, but continuing to abuse substances anyway
- Isolating from loved ones and losing interest in hobbies and passions
- Wanting to stop using substances but being unable to do so
- Avoiding responsibilities or commitments
- Experiencing mood swings or behavioral changes
- Spending time around a new group of people who also abuse substances
- Changes in appearance like track marks on the arms or weight loss
- Hiding bottles around the house or having drug paraphernalia in the home
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using substances
- Getting into legal trouble as a result of drug or alcohol abuse
Moreover, when confronted about their substance abuse, people who struggle with addiction may deny having a problem. They may also become angry, upset, hostile, or even aggressive.
4 Scenarios When Staging an Intervention May be Appropriate
Unfortunately, simply confronting an addict about their problem isn’t always enough to convince them to get help. As a result, many people have come to believe that people who use drugs must reach a point of utter despair, also known as “rock bottom,” before they can get better. However, this is not always the case. Many reluctant individuals who are the subjects of interventions end up going to rehab, getting sober, and living healthy, functional lives before reaching their so-called “bottom.” The bottom line is it is never too early to get sober.
With that being said, here are 4 different types of scenarios that may indicate to you that it is the right time to stage an intervention.
You Live With an Addict Who is Refusing to Get Help
Living with or loving an addict is never easy, but it is even more complicated when they are refusing to get help. Being around someone who abuses substances with a complete disregard for their well-being can take a serious toll on your mental health, and that’s not healthy. You must have boundaries, such as not allowing your loved one in the home while under the influence, to take care of yourself.
An intervention is a great way to establish a boundary. It is the perfect time for you to give your loved one the ultimatum of moving out or being on their own or accepting the help you have to offer. If you are close to someone who refuses to accept help for their addiction, it may be a good time to stage an intervention before their substance abuse becomes even more destructive.
Your Loved One May be Dangerous to Themselves or Others
Addiction is a sinister disease that affects the mind just as much as the body. People who abuse substances may go to extreme lengths to obtain their drugs – stealing money, selling personal belongings, or even things like prostitution. They may also begin developing symptoms of mental illness, like depression, anxiety, or paranoia. In some cases, people begin having suicidal thoughts or actions during which they become a danger to themselves. On the other hand, some individuals may become hostile, angry, and violent towards others, posing a serious risk to other people.
Any situation in which a person who struggles with addiction could cause harm to themselves or another person is the perfect time to host an intervention. Letting individuals continue to put their lives or others’ lives at risk can be deadly.
You Know Your Loved One Will Get Worse Without Help
Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that often gets worse without treatment – not better. This is concerning due to the nature of addiction. Addictive drugs damage the body and can lead to immediate harm in the form of a life-threatening or deadly overdose. And, someone who overdoses once is likely to overdose again if they continue using substances.
Whether your loved one acts out in risky behaviors, struggles with their mental health, or is susceptible to overdose, untreated addiction can have devastating and lasting effects on a person. Fortunately, staging an intervention at the right time can put a stop to your loved one’s addiction before they get worse.
Your Loved One Cannot Provide For Their Basic Needs
Many people who struggle with addiction will place their drug or drink of choice as the top priority in their lives. They may sell personal belongings, steal money from loved ones, or go to extreme measures to make sure they can get high. Over time, as their addiction progresses, they may become completely unable to care for themselves. They may fall behind on rent and become homeless, neglect their body by failing to eat or bathe, and begin wasting away little by little. If your loved one cannot care for his or her basic needs, the time to stage an intervention is now.
Find Help for an Addicted Loved One
The first step in helping an addicted loved one is to enlist the help of a professional substance abuse counselor. Whether your loved one has reached rock bottom or not, an intervention specialist can help your family plan, host, and enact an effective intervention. They will be there for you and your loved one every step of the way.
Here at Florida Recovery Group, we recognize that families are often the first ones to know when something is wrong with their loved ones. That’s why we work directly with families of addicted individuals to provide them with the support and recovery resources they need. To learn more about our Florida addiction treatment programs or to find help for a loved one, contact us today.
