Intervention
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How can you help an addict:
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Addiction: It is a Disease - Not a Disgrace Addiction, according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition, is "a compulsive physiological need for a habit forming substance..." In other words, addiction is a physical disease. It is a health problem, not a moral problem. The addicted individual does not choose to become an alcoholic or addict, nor does the illness stem from a lack of willpower. Instead of being sinful, the addicted person is sick and in need of medical attention. Without treatment, the disease of addiction progresses. The addicted person's suffering may lead to permanent physical damage, mental damage and an early death. Sadly, addiction impairs people who know the addicted individual as well. Family members may suffer, co-workers may be injured and employers may fail to receive the addicted person's full productive talents. There is no "cure" for addiction. Yet, the disease is treatable, its progress can be arrested and recovery is possible. Under a structured health care program, the addicted person should find their health does predictably respond to effective professional treatment. Usually, motivating problem drinkers/drug addicts to seek treatment starts when someone close to them realizes they may be unable to help themselves and need someone to act for them. There is a hopeful method, called "intervention," that allows loved ones to help problem drinkers/drug users even if they do not currently want help. Intervention: Helping the Addicted Individual Seek Treatment Intervention is a group process to motivate an addicted individual to enter a treatment program for the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction. An arranged meeting brings together the addicted person with family, friends, a personal physician, employer, co-workers, minister or others who have closely observed the harmful effects of alcohol/drugs on the person's life. The confrontation intends to create a turning point in the addicted person's life by presenting a fairly full and realistic picture of the harm that drinking or drug use is causing. After intervention, the addicted person usually will feel the need for professional assistance. The basic belief behind intervention is that, even at their sickest, the addicted persons can accept the reality of their problems if their addictions are presented in a way that they can understand. Those encouraging them to look squarely at the effects of their disease should be people they love or respect as important to their careers and personal lives. A group of at least two people is necessary to provide the weight to break through the denial of the addicted person. An especially effective member of the confronting group is the employer or supervisor. The risk of losing one's job means a possible loss of both income and identity - severe losses, indeed. With help from a trained counselor, group members prepare for the intervention session by assembling two detailed listings:
Do:
The Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST) is aimed at identifying individuals with drinking problems. The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) is gauged more broadly to include all forms of chemical dependency. How to Ask a Counselor for Help These suggestions cannot, by themselves, provide all the information needed to plan an intervention. But with a minimum of professional guidance, anyone concerned about a loved one can successfully confront the addicted person. The real encouragement to try intervention is to know that the addicted person's treatment may stop impaired health and alleviate suffering. Through intervention, it is possible for addicted people to regain their health and control over their lives - free of alcohol or drugs. The next step is finding the courage to call us for help. Do so before the addiction progresses further. |
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