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While connecting with loved ones is important to family growth and positivity, some cases deserve professional care. Drug intervention takes many forms, but not all forms are created equal. Sometimes, drug and alcohol intervention fails. Still, thousands of family members per year approach their loved ones with the best intentions during a crisis.
The trouble with DIY Approaches
A 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and health discovered that 22.2 million people over the age of 12 were using or dependent on a substance. In addition to this, roughly 23 million people are stated to require treatment for substance abuse. Of these, only 2.5 million receive any form of treatment.
Why Most DIY Substance Abuse Interventions Fail
This startling ratio isn’t necessarily a failure of the modern intervention program, either. Rather, it exists due to the many substance abuse interventions every year. Interventions, themselves, occur whenever an addicted individual’s family members or friends are concerned enough about the substance abuse that they take action—an action which normally results in failure. (See also: How to Stop Abusing Drugs, Find Treatment, and Begin Recovery)
Reason One: Too Many Options are Presented
Understandably, those watching a family member suffer from substance abuse want them to get better. This can result in overloading the loved one, however. Unsuccessful interventions occur when too many choices are presented—even if these choices include an established addiction treatment program.
Make no mistake: It’s important to suggest that professional treatment is needed. If you don’t, your loved one might continue thinking their addiction isn’t severe. They may even assume that help might arrive in the future—even though those capable of helping are becoming fatigued.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse clarifies that substance overuse, abuse, and dependence treatment doesn’t need to occur under voluntary conditions to work. Sometimes, informing the person that they must undergo treatment can work—even if the alternative is of serious consequence.
Reason Two: Focusing Too Much on the Problem
Because drug addiction is so serious, family members sometimes push the suffering person away—rather than helping them heal. Interventions sometimes fail when the individual dwells on the past too much. Rather than focusing on their time suffering, they should focus on the possibilities present within recovery.
This truth isn’t only an important understanding of addiction—but a vital mantra for stabilized, ongoing recovery. In a study presented by Drew W. Edwards, Ed. D. in “The Dos and Don’t’s of Intervention” at Psych Central, the work of Dr. Vernon Johnson titled I’ll Quit Tomorrow dives into the complexities of alcoholism.
Within alcoholism, and drug dependence in general, denial drives a majority of the problems. Most substance abusers believe their addictions are caused by others—whether it be family members, friends or even people in general. They may also believe their addictions are results of bad luck, circumstances beyond control or some other form of fate. For these reasons, approaches focusing on the addiction’s core problems, as opposed to solutions, tend to fail.
Reason Three: A Lack of Resources
Professional recovery care centers work because they utilize the resources needed for healing. Alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and substance abuse make it difficult for the suffering individuals to overcome their issues while maintaining a normal life.
Thus, they provide numerous addiction recovery resources to aid the process. These care providers not only assist with the medical and psychological aspects of addiction but also with the external scheduling conflicts most recovery processes cause. Still, it’s possible to recover from addiction fully without losing one’s education, job or future potential.
If you or a loved one seek an intervention program, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are always available options, regardless of how severe the addiction is. Contact a professional today, and reclaim the life your family deserves.
About The Author:
Mike is a health editor with a degree in Journalism and Social Communications, currently writing for several USA & UK publications. He is specialized in articles around health tips, workout plans, and other nutrition-related topics. His main aim is to help health charities to raise awareness on campaigns about misunderstood or commonly misdiagnosed conditions.
