It can be frightening, tiring and frustrating to see a friend family or member struggling with addiction and knowing that there is very little you can do to help.
One thing you can try is to have an ‘intervention’, an intervention, is where a group of people close to an addict come together to encourage them to seek help.
The problem is that getting an addict to admit that they have a problem can be hard, most addicts are never ‘ready’ to accept that their addiction, is harming themselves, or others.
Denial, often a barrier to recovery for those who suffer from addiction to substances such as alcohol or drugs may also find it hard to understand that their actions are having a negative impact and consequently may need some help to see the harmful effects their behaviour is having.
Any addiction problem is often easier for friends or family members to see than it is for the person with the addiction, a loved one could be struggling to see what may seem obvious to you because they are not always capable of thinking clearly or making good choices.
Scientists have found that alcohol abuse can cause the loss of grey matter (a major component of the central nervous system, as distinguished from white matter) in certain areas of the brain, including the frontal lobe and it is thought that it is this that impairs logical processing and decision making. It is more likely to do with this inability to see things clearly, not that the individual is being stubborn or pig-headed, that can prevent them accepting the problem and a formal intervention might be the answer.
What is an Intervention?
An intervention can be an effective tool when encouraging a friend or family member to seek help for an addiction.
An intervention is a combination of elements or strategies designed to produce behaviour changes or improve health among individuals (or groups). Interventions can include educational programmes, a health promotion campaign, or improvements in someone’s environment. Interventions that include multiple strands are often the most effective in producing both desired and lasting change.
Interventions don’t necessarily have to take place at home, many can be implemented in professional settings including communities, the work place, schools, health care organisations or specialist environments such as Leon House. Interventions that take place in multiple settings, just like multiple strategies, can be the most effective method of treatment for both individuals and groups.
Research has shown that interventions generate change by influencing a person’s:
- knowledge
- understanding
- attitudes
- and beliefs
Staging an Intervention
According to the charity, Alcohol Concern, almost 600,000 people in England are classed as dependent drinkers, with less than one-fifth of accessing any treatment that might help them recover.
What to Know Before Staging an Intervention
Before staging an intervention, you should learn as much as you can about the process to ensure that it ends up running smoothly. An intervention requires careful planning and is not something that can just be arranged overnight. You will need to make a list of participants, decide on a venue, and arrange a rehearsal meeting so that everyone knows what will happen and how they are expected to participate.
Tips for Successful Interventions
An intervention can be a powerful tool when it comes to recovery from addiction but it stand s more chance of success, when planned and staged properly. To increase the chances of an intervention being successful, here are some things to take into account.
- Find the right time to talk
- Choose a private but formal place
- Have a rehearsal
- Use open, friendly body language
- Keep calm
- Don’t give up
- Have a treatment centre standing by
Leon House Residential Rehabilitation Clinic treats a wide range of psychological disorders and addictions.
Our distinguished team of doctors, psychiatrists and counsellors provide specialist care and support in complete privacy, identifying and treating the underlying causes that lead to mental health issues and addiction.
We make sure you have your own care team to give you full support throughout your treatment.
We probe beyond the surface of your condition to get to the root of the cause, in order to give you long-lasting well-being.
