Drug addicts often don’t have the power to quit their addictions by themselves. They usually need help in the form of addiction treatment and support from their loved ones. This help usually begins with an intervention. Many people have a vague idea of what intervention methods are, and most seem to have a negative attitude towards them.
So, what is an intervention, and what does it entail? Here is a comprehensive overview of popular methods of intervention in Orange County.
What is an Intervention?
An intervention is an organized effort by an addict’s friends and loved ones to persuade them against their addictive behavior. The group essentially sits down with the addict and lets them know how their addiction is affecting their lives and why it is important to change. The argument relies on both logic and emotional appeal, and many interventions usually get the addicts to review their habits.
An intervention is important because it creates awareness in the addict. It also lets the addict know that they are loved and valued, motivating them to quick their addictive habits. It works in many cases, with the help of professional addiction treatment.
8 Intervention Methods
There are dozens of methods of intervention methods. Some of the most effective ones include:
1. The Systemic Family Model of Intervention
Family members are often the best people to stage an intervention. They will have a greater emotional appeal on the addict, motivating them to seek addiction treatment.
This intervention method is direct. The family comes together and plans the intervention ahead of time. They can then invite the member struggling with addiction or surprise them, depending on the latter’s willingness to listen.
The intervention entails more than just urging the addict to seek help – it involves offering the necessary emotional and financial support. Professionals also warn against playing the blame game or making the addict feel guilty, as the results will be counterproductive.
2. The Love First Approach to Intervention
Love is a powerful tool for getting anyone to do anything. This intervention method is recommended for addicts who are unwilling to seek treatment despite past efforts.
This approach entails providing the person struggling with addiction all the help and support they need lovingly. For example, you may volunteer to babysit for them or look after their house while they get help.
It is important to keep calm even when the addict is unappreciative of your effort. However, it is also advisable to let the person know that there will be consequences if they don’t seek help.
3. The Confrontational Model of Intervention
The confrontational model of intervention entails being blunt with the addict in pointing out their flaws. The friends and loved ones highlight the consequences of drug abuse to the addict and the surrounding people. They also appeal directly to the addict to get treatment, warning them that their lives will become worse if they don’t.
However, it is advisable not to be too harsh with the person struggling with addictionduring the intervention. The idea is to make them aware of their weakness — not to make them feel guilty.
4. Tough Love
The tough love approach is recommended when all other forms of intervention fail. It works best for addicts who have something to lose if they continue using drugs but are still unwilling to get addiction treatment.
This intervention approach is confrontational in nature. The idea is to give the addict an ultimatum to either get help or face unpleasant consequences. For example, cutting off their financial assistance (and other resources that can enable their addiction) is very persuasive. However, don’t push the addict to the edge, as it may push them further into drug abuse.
5. Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention is necessary when there is an emergency, and the addict cannot afford to lose time before getting professional help. For example, the addict may be prone to driving while drunk and getting into road accidents. The addict may also be suffering from depression or other mental disorders and has suicidal tendencies.
This approach should involve a professional addiction treatment expert. The interventionists can force the addict to take evaluation tests if the risk of danger is significant.
6. The Johnson Model of Intervention
Confronting a friend or family member struggling with addiction can be difficult. It can cause division between you, creating bad blood that can fuel the other party’s addiction. This is why it is advisable to get expert pointers before having a sit-down with the addict. This is what the Johnson Model of intervention does.
This model focuses on the person staging the intervention. It offers basic education on how to approach an addict and persuade them to seek help.
7. ARISE Intervention
Most intervention methods focus solely on the addict, their flaws, and what they have to do to seek help. The ARISE intervention method highlights the family’s role in the addict’s recovery. It addresses both parties’ responsibilities.
The family consults an addiction expert to learn how best to get the addict to seek help. More importantly, the family learns the best ways to accommodate the addict’s need during and after treatment. The family also plans the intervention with the professional’s help – and with the addict’s knowledge, as openness is important.
8. CRAFT Intervention
The CRAFT intervention method focuses on the addict and how best they can overcome their addiction without causing a confrontation between themselves and their loved ones. The method seeks to address the problem at the root, including understanding what triggers the addiction and teaching the addict problem-solving skills.
This method of intervention is recommended for drug addicts who are willing to overcome their addiction with some help. It is also ideal for addicts who don’t have loved ones to support them. Nevertheless, it is advisable for the addict’s family to voice their support.
Final Thoughts on Intervention Methods
Support and help from friends and loved ones go a long way in encouraging addicts to seek help. An intervention is an excellent platform to demonstrate this love and support. These are some of the most popular and effective intervention methods in Orange County.
Contact us and learn more about these interventions.
