How to Stage a Drug Intervention

Two of the most common are the Johnson Intervention and the ARISE Intervention. With the Johnson approach, the addict is confronted by a group of loved ones, and they’re presented with consequences if they don’t agree to treatment. As you get to know addiction intervention specialists, you may talk to them about what happens if the intervention https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.html does not go as planned. For example, how do they handle an emotionally-charged situation or when the addict doesn’t accept treatment? What happens if the addict doesn’t come to the intervention, or refuses to participate? It’s important to gauge how a specialist deals with difficult situations and obstacles during an addiction intervention.

We’re here to guide you to remove some of the burden and make the journey to treatment and recovery as easy as possible. Treatment options can vary in intensity and scope and occur in a variety of settings. Options can include brief early intervention, outpatient treatment or day treatment programs. More severe problems may require admittance into a structured program, treatment facility or hospital.

Family Screenings and Intervention Assessment

If you decide to have an intervention for your loved one, you’ll need to take a few steps to help you prepare logistically and mentally. One study showed that when people did follow through on an intervention, they were able to get their loved one into treatment. But in the end, this was a very small number of people, and the outcome of therapy was not reported. Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York.

• Instead, it is sometimes recommended that someone close to an addict informs them that they are seeking the advice of a counselor or specialist about their substance abuse.
• Although you probably want the substance use to stop as soon as possible, immediate abstinence from  certain drugs has certain risks including withdrawal symptoms and serious medical consequences.
• Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems.
• As long as family members deny that there is a problem, the problem will progress along with suffering.

It was satisfactorily resolved by family members with no reports to authorities and minimal private sector involvement. Not everyone has the emotional capacity to support a survivor, and there’s no shame in that. Knowing our limits is an act of strength, because naming our vulnerabilities takes courage. Your loved one deserves support, and if you are at your upper limit, it’s okay to refer them to us or a local domestic violence program that could better assist them. Then, prioritize your emotional well-being and practice self-care to replenish your emotional resources. How many times have you thought all this could have been avoided if it weren’t for that one person who is a “bad influence” and is really to blame for your loved one’s addiction?

Conduct the Intervention

Conversations that are guided by a trusted loved one who provides love, encouragement, and support may be more productive. People who use substances report mixed reactions to being confronted by family, friends, and professionals. In one study, a confrontation was perceived as more helpful when a trusted individual focused on offering hope and practical support. Confrontations that seemed hostile or hypocritical were viewed as unhelpful.

• For people exhibiting signs of dependence or addiction, a screening will probably lead to a referral for more intense level of care.
• For this reason, if you really want to learn how to help an addict, it is best to seek out the services of a professional interventionist.
• Evidence indicates that CRAFT is effective for helping CSOs in terms of treatment engagement.

This involves identifying and avoiding enabling behaviors, such as making excuses for a loved one or financially sustaining them. It may also involve developing skills such as open communication which can decrease stress at home and reduce triggers for drug abuse. If you’re looking to stage an intervention for a loved one, Feinberg Consulting can help.