People sometimes engage in self-destructive behavior, rejecting any assistance other have to offer.Drug intervention in Maryland is a process that helps the drug abuser to recognize the full extent of their addiction problem. Intervention has a long history for people who are suffering from substance abuse and addiction, but it is now being used for compulsive behaviors such as gambling addiction, sex addiction, internet addiction and eating disorders. Individuals who are addicted usually are unable to recognize that their addictive behaviors are out of control. These individuals need objective feedback on their behavior and through a non-judgemental, non-critical, systematic drug intervention process, the individual is presented with the opportunity to truly see their addiction for the negativity that it is. When a person is truly able to understand the impact that their addiction is having on their lives, as well as, others lives, they may begin to see how their addiction is hurting everyone around them, including themselves.
Drug intervention is a resource for family and friends of an addict to meet the problems of the addiction face to face. Drug intervention is a difficult and delicate matter and it is very important that it be done correctly; otherwise, the individual may feel cornered and become defensive. Family and friends of an addict should seek the advice of a trained professional in determining the proper strategy and timing for the intervention. It is an extremely important step in the recovery process and may be the most important as it is the time that the addict sees the negative effects of their addiction. The most common goal in all intervention processes is for the addict to accept the reality of their addiction and seek help.
The steps of drug intervention in include:
1. Cease all attempts for a rescue mission. Family often tries to protect the abuser from the results of their negative behavior by making excuses for their addiction to others or by getting them out of addiction-related jams. It is important to discontinue all attempts to rescue the addict so that they can experience the harmful effects in which their abuse is causing them. This can motivate them to stop.
2. Do not enable the abuser. Sometimes family members feel sorry for their addicted loved one, allowing them to come and go as they please. This comes across as a reward for the abuser because they are getting exactly what they want, to be alone. Be careful not to reward them by paying their bills, bailing them out of jail, or letting them live for free.
3. Time your intervention just right. If at all possible, plan to talk to the addict when they are sober, choose a time when everyone involved is in the calmest state of mind and when you are able to speak privately.
4. Be specific in your demands in the intervention. Tell your addicted family member that you are concerned about their addiction and that you want to support them in their recovery process. Back up your concerns with examples of the negative ways that their addiction is affecting you.
5. State the consequences if they do not choose to get the help they need. Inform the family member that until they get help, you will carry out all consequences. Let them know that you are not trying to punish them in any way but you are trying to protect yourself. Do not make any threats unless you are willing to uphold them. The basic intent is to make the abuser feel life more uncomfortably if they continue to keep using drugs.
6. Find strength in numbers. With the help of multiple family members, friends, and relatives, you want to designate a spokesperson in the group. It is far more effective if the spokesperson speaks and everyone else agrees. This way, the addict does not feel attacked in any way or that everyone is ganging up on them.
7. Be sure to listen. If the subject of your intervention begins asking questions, this is a sign that they are reaching out for help. Do not directly answer their questions but instead have them call in to talk to a professional. Support them in their decision to take the help. It is very important that you do not delay the process between the intervention and their entry into a drug treatment facility. If at all possible, have their bags packed and their travel arrangements made. Also, you will want to have prior acceptance into a treatment program prior to the intervention.
Many families have made multiple attempts but failed to help their addicted loved one recover from their addiction. In Maryland, drug intervention allows the family to show care and concern for their addicted loved one. The addict may begin to share life problems that they are currently or have experiences but the key thing to remember is that those problems will not get better unless they stop their addiction. Anticipate that the addict might try to minimize their usage and change the topic of discussion. They may even joke about their addiction and say that it is no worse than anyone else’s. There are options for a safe, caring, and guided drug intervention. Contact your local Maryland addiction hotline for more instruction on how to obtain the appropriate drug intervention.
