Can An Interventionist Help You?

Watching a loved one spiral deeper into addiction of any kind can be frustrating, heartbreaking, stressful and infuriating.

It is a given you will have tried:

Those closest to the addict will have tried many ways to convince them that professional help is needed because of the damage they are doing to themselves and the anguish it is causing those closest to them.

The problem is that addiction changes the way the brain works. Addicts do not always think rationally, sensibly, or as you would expect them to. The draw from their substance of choice is an extremely powerful one.

Even if they realise the damage this is causing they will not stop because their need is far stronger.

Where to next?

When trying to help an addict it is important that you understand as much as possible about their addiction. There are endless resources available on-line relating to every type of addiction.

Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the problem in confidence and contact a local self-help group to seek advice on the different ways to deal with your loved one’s addiction.

Armed with such knowledge and insight you will be in a much stronger position to re-approach the addict.

Consider the use of an interventionist:

While this step may not be for everyone it is something that should be considered if the addict will not listen to your reasoning in terms of the professional help needed.

It must be understood that employing an interventionist will cost money. They are professionally qualified men and women who deal with addiction and as such are paid for their services.

Benefits of an interventionist:

If you have been unable to persuade the addict they need help then you need help to convince them this is the case.

In many cases a professional interventionist can be the difference that makes the addict sit up and listen. Confronting the addict with intervention assistance will not be an overnight occurrence. The interventionist will want to discuss things with you and any other family members or friends who will be involved.

This includes, but is certainly not limited to:

Understanding the background of the addict and personal history details.
Understanding their addiction history.
Understanding the substance or addiction they are currently saddled with.
What their recent and current state of mind is. Are they aggressive or hostile towards any attempts at assistance?
What steps have been taken to try and persuade the addict to seek help?
Have they received addiction treatment in the past?
Relationships of those family members or friends who will be involved in the actual intervention.

What you need to consider:

While telephone and/or e-mail contact will be essential it is also very important that you meet with the interventionist at least once before the actual intervention meeting with the addict takes place.

You need to understand such things as what qualifications they have, their experience relating to the addiction in question, their success rate in persuading addicts to accept treatment and what treatment options are available.

It is also crucial that all those involved understand how things will proceed and their role during the meeting.

Interventions are not for everyone:

This type of assistance may not suit everyone, but if all else has failed in terms of persuading your loved one to seek help it is certainly a route that is worthy of consideration.