Are you tired of seeing your loved one struggle with drug addiction? Do you feel like nothing is working to get them the help they need? 

Drug interventions have become a popular approach for tackling this issue, but do they really work? In this week’s blog post, we’ll explore the effectiveness and limitations of drug interventions so that you can make an informed decision about how best to support your family member or loved one. 

What Does Drug Treatment Consist Of?

The first thing to understand about interventions, is they are designed to help people who are struggling with addiction to get the treatment they need. The goal of a drug intervention is to get the person into treatment so they can overcome their addiction and live a healthier life.

So what does treatment consist of? 

Treatments all have one common goal: to get the addict to remain sober over the long-term. Treatment can be inpatient or outpatient, and it typically includes detoxification, counseling (also known as rehabilitation), and reintegration.

Detoxification is the process of getting rid of the addictive substance from your body. This can be done through natural means or with medication. Counseling helps you learn about your addiction and how to cope with triggers and cravings.

Reintegration is the process where the addict uses what they learned in rehabilitation to stay sober in the greater world.

Inpatient treatment is typically more intensive than outpatient treatment, but it can be more effective for some people. Inpatient treatment usually lasts 30 days or more, and it includes 24-hour supervision, meals, activities, and therapy.

Outpatient treatment usually lasts for several weeks or months, and it includes daily meetings with a therapist and other support group members.

What Is A Drug Intervention?

A drug intervention is a structured, planned meeting in which friends and family members confront a person about their substance abuse. The goal of an intervention is to get the person into treatment and on the road to recovery.

Interventions usually involve a group of people who are close to the person with addiction. This can include friends, family members, co-workers, employers, or anyone else who has been affected by the person’s drinking or drug use.

The group meets with the addict and delivers a set message: that his or her drinking or drug use is causing problems and needs to stop. Each member of the group takes turns expressing their concerns and sharing how the addict’s behavior has hurt them.

Oftentimes a professional interventionist is involved. The interventionist helps keep the conversation focused and may offer suggestions for treatment options.

The goal is to get the addict to agree to seek help, though he or she may not be ready to commit to treatment at the end of the meeting. It’s likely a professional interventionist can create better outcomes.  

Do Drug Interventions Work?

Critics of drug intervention argue that they don’t work. They claim that addicted individuals are not motivated to change and will only enter treatment if they hit rock bottom. Additionally, they argue that even if an individual does enter treatment after an intervention, there is no guarantee that they will be successful in recovery.

Supporters of drug intervention counter these claims by pointing to research that shows interventions can be effective. One study found that individuals who participated in an intervention were more likely to enter treatment than those who didn’t participate in an intervention and that “Overall psychosocial interventions have been found to be effective.” 

So, what’s the verdict? Do drug interventions work? Yes, we think they can be extremely effective. There is no silver bullet to tackling addiction, but interventions can be an effective last-ditch effort to get a loved one into treatment. 

However, they do not work 100 percent of the time. Addicts can continue to struggle with addiction despite multiple interventions. Ultimately, whether or not an intervention works depends on the individual

Tips For A Successful Intervention

When it comes to addiction, professional help is always the best route. The best thing to do is to hire a professional interventionist. Here are a few more tips to stage a successful intervention:

  1. Plan ahead and make sure everyone is on the same page. This includes having a list of talking points and making sure everyone knows their role in the intervention.
  2. Choose a location that is comfortable for everyone involved, but also somewhere that your loved one will feel safe and open to talking about their addiction.
  3. Be prepared for anything. Your loved one may react in a variety of ways, so it’s important to be ready for anything. Have resources available in case they agree to seek treatment and be ready to provide emotional support if they don’t.
  4. Avoid ultimatums or threats during the intervention. This will only serve to further alienate your loved one and make them less likely to listen to what you have to say. Instead, focus on expressing your love and concern for their well-being.
  5. Have a solid plan in place for after the intervention. If your loved one agrees to seek treatment, make sure you know where they’re going and how you can support them through recovery. If they don’t agree, be prepared with other options such as therapy or support groups for yourself and other family members

Get Your Loved One Into Drug Treatment Today

Drug interventions have helped many people and families struggling with addiction, but it’s important to remember that they are not a cure-all solution. It takes hard work and dedication from the individual to make long-term changes in their behavior.

While drug intervention may give an addict the initial push towards sobriety, it often requires ongoing support in order for them to stay sober in the long run. 

If you or someone you know is facing an addiction issue, consider reaching out to us at (615) 326 6449 and we can provide further guidance on how best to address the situation.