Watching a loved one or family member struggle with alcohol or drug addiction is perhaps one of the most difficult hands to be dealt. You had no control over it, or they may never have struggled in the first place; at least that’s what people tell themselves. The reality of it all is that there’s no way to control an individual’s decisions. They are on this journey just as you are, and make their own decisions with their own consequences. However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to help. Interventions, when done properly, are a great way to communicate concern and love while encouraging your loved one to seek help.
What is an Intervention?
An intervention is a strategic action or series of actions designed to influence and bring about positive change in a situation or behavioral pattern. Generally used in the context of health, education, or social services, interventions are often implemented to prevent, treat, or manage issues such as health conditions, academic challenges, or social problems. They can be designed for individuals, families, or entire communities; interventions can range from one-on-one counseling sessions to large-scale public health initiatives.
Interventions play a crucial role in providing targeted support and resources to individuals and groups in need. They are based on research and evidence-based practices that have been proven effective in addressing specific issues. Interventions are also flexible and can be tailored to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each person or group.
One common type of intervention is early intervention. Early intervention focuses on providing support and services to individuals with developmental delays or disabilities at an early age. This can include interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. Early intervention has been shown to greatly improve outcomes for children with developmental delays.
Interventions can also be used in the context of mental health, where they aim to improve emotional well-being and address mental health issues. These interventions may include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication management, and support groups. They are often tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals and can help them cope with and manage their mental health conditions.
What is a Substance Abuse Intervention?
A substance abuse intervention is a carefully planned process that involves family and friends, and sometimes colleagues, or professionals who care about a person struggling with addiction. During the intervention, these people gather together to confront the individual about the consequences of their addiction and ask them to accept treatment. The objective is to help the individual recognize the impact of their behavior and motivate them to seek help promptly.
Why Stage an Intervention?
Staging a substance abuse intervention is a crucial step in aiding a person struggling with addiction. This process involves a systematic approach where friends, family, and professionals articulate their concerns and the impact of the person’s substance abuse on their lives. Interventions can serve as a wake-up call, showing the person the severity and reality of their situation. They also provide a clear path to recovery, offering support, guidance, and treatment options. The goal is not to confront, but to express caring concern, fostering an environment that encourages the individual to seek help.
Best Practices for Staging an Intervention
Staging an intervention requires careful planning and thoughtful consideration to ensure it’s both respectful and effective. Some best practices to consider may include the following:
- Gather information – Learn about the nature of the loved one’s problem and understand the treatment options available.
- Form an intervention team – This team should ideally consist of people closest to the individual, who are willing to participate in the intervention.
- Decide on specific consequences – If the person refuses to accept treatment, convey clearly the changes in behavior that will be implemented by the intervention team.
- Rehearse and prepare – Each member of the team should know what they will say. This helps to keep the intervention conversation on track.
- Manage expectations – Remember, interventions don’t always lead to immediate change. Patience, compassion, and persistence are key.
Who should be included in your intervention?
A successful substance abuse intervention often includes a variety of individuals who are significant in the person’s life. This typically involves close family members, like parents, spouses, siblings, and children, as their words and feelings can greatly impact the individual. Additionally, friends, coworkers, and religious or spiritual advisors may also be included if they share a strong bond with the person.
Healthcare professionals like therapists, counselors, or intervention specialists are crucial to guide the process, plan the intervention, and provide necessary support. Their inclusion ensures that the intervention is conducted safely and effectively. An intervention should always prioritize the well-being of everyone involved.
Preparing for Different Outcomes of an Intervention
When preparing for the potential outcomes of an intervention, consider both the best-case and worst-case scenarios. In the best-case scenario, the individual may acknowledge their issues and be open to seeking help or making necessary changes. This is the ideal outcome, leading to positive changes and development. However, in the worst-case scenario, the individual may deny their problems, become defensive, or even aggressive. In such cases, it’s essential to maintain a calm, non-confrontational approach while continuing to express concern and support. Ensuring professional help is available can also be useful for managing unexpected responses.
Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment at Acqua Recovery
There are many ways that we treat individuals at Acqua recovery. All of these methods prioritize the individual above all else and include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- EMDR therapy
- REBT therapy
- IFS therapy
- Medically assisted detox
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapeutic treatment that is commonly used to combat addiction. It functions by helping individuals understand and change the thought patterns leading to harmful behaviors such as substance abuse. CBT aids in identifying triggers for addiction, developing coping mechanisms, and setting short and long-term goals. It’s a critical component in addiction treatment due to its focus on individual empowerment and self-efficacy.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment approach with roots in mindfulness and acceptance. In the context of addiction, DBT is particularly beneficial; this method of care equips individuals with the essential skills to manage distressing emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. It also enhances one’s ability to handle situations that might trigger substance use. This facilitates healthier coping mechanisms and supports long-term recovery.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that has been recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD. This unique therapy approach involves the patient recalling a traumatic event while the therapist guides them through bilateral sensory input; these methods commonly include side-to-side eye movements. EMDR therapy works by allowing the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, thereby reducing their long-term impact. This method of treatment is crucial in helping individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that aims to help individuals identify, challenge, and change their irrational beliefs. Developed by psychologist Albert Ellis in the 1950s, REBT posits that thoughts, rather than external events, shape our feelings and reactions. By altering these thought patterns, individuals can improve their mental health and overall well-being.
IFS, or Internal Family Systems, is a transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. It views a person’s mind as composed of relatively discrete subpersonalities, each with its unique viewpoint, interests, memories, and perspective. The goal of IFS is to help individuals achieve a healthier mental perspective. It does this by understanding and harmonizing these internal “parts” and rehabilitating the individual’s core. The core “self” is characterized by qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion.
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) constitutes a comprehensive approach in the treatment of substance use disorders, primarily opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addictions. This method combines medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies to provide a holistic treatment environment. The medications used in MAT function to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and normalize brain chemistry. It’s important to note that MAT is customized to the individual; it takes their specific needs and circumstances into account to ensure the most effective treatment outcomes.
What is the Success Rate of Interventions on Addiction?
The success rate of interventions on addiction varies widely due to a number of different factors. Some of these include the type of addiction, the methods used, the individual’s receptiveness, and the support network surrounding the individual. According to various studies, success rates can range from 40-60% for substance abuse interventions when followed by proper treatment. However, the journey to recovery is often a long-term process that may involve multiple interventions and continuous support.
Contact Acqua Recovery
It’s often been said that every 1,000 mile journey begins with the first step; this couldn’t be more true. Some individuals realize their need for recovery and pursue it with every ounce of their being. Others recognize their problems and do nothing about it. It’s their decision, but it doesn’t mean they can’t know they are loved and cared for; professionally monitored interventions are a great place to start. If you would like to find out more about interventions or what we can offer, you can contact us here.
