Drug Interventions

Drug intervention is an attempt by a skilled professional counselor or a group of friends, family or co-workers to motivate a drug addict toward recovery. Drug intervention, while sometimes painful or embarrassing, is sometimes critical for drug addicts who deny they have a problem.

Drug intervention encompasses ten steps:

Drug Intervention Step #1: Don't Rescue the Addict
Friends and family members can attempt to protect an addict from the consequences of his behavior by making excuses about his addiction or getting him out of trouble. This behavior must stop! Once the addict experiences the effects of his behavior, he may become more motivated to stop using drugs.

Drug Intervention Step #2: Don't Become an Enabler
Family members should be careful not to reward the addict by paying his bills, bailing him out of jail, letting him stay for free or ignoring his behavior.

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Drug Intervention Step #3: Find the Right Time
If possible, select a time to talk with the addict when he is sober, when the entire intervention party is in a calm frame of mind and when you can speak privately.

Drug Intervention Step #4: Find Strength in Numbers
Enlist the support of family members, relatives and friends in confronting the addict as a group, selecting one person to be the initial spokesperson. Remember, the idea is to make it safe for him to come clean and seek help.

Drug Intervention Step #5: Be Honest
Tell the addict that you are concerned about his drug addiction and want to be supportive for him while he gets help. Support your concern with examples of the ways in which his drug use has caused problems for you, including any recent incidents.

Drug Intervention Step #6: State the Consequences
Tell the addict that until he gets help, you will leave him to the consequences of his behavior and will no longer bail him out. Make it clear that you are not trying to punish the addict, but protect yourself from the harmful effects of his addiction.

Drug Intervention Step #7: Listen
During your drug addiction intervention, the addict might ask questions regarding potential treatment. Listen! These questions are a sign that he is reaching for help.

Drug Intervention Step #8: Be Prepared
If the addict is ready to take action, don't wait. Once he's agrees to go into rehab, work immediately to get him admitted into rehab. Prior to the intervention, pack him a bag, make travel arrangements and ensure he has acceptance into a program.

Drug Intervention Step #9: Don't Give Up
If the addict refuses help, don't give up. Be supportive and don't enable or allow his behavior. Listen whenever you can and be ready to help the addict into therapy when he is ready.

Drug Intervention Step #10: Find a Good Rehab Center
Treatment Referral will help you find a center that effectively treats alcohol, drug and substance abuse beyond the initial cleansing of the system, addressing the behavioral and thinking patterns that directly contribute to the individual's disease. If drug addiction might be a problem for you or someone you love, we encourage you to give Treatment Referral a call today to learn more about treatment and intervention options. 800.399.3612