How to help a loved one with addiction
We’ve all seen interventions on TV.
Instead, modern approaches suggest that people come to these events prepared for the discussion.
They are certainly not the only way to get someone you care about to get the help they need.
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Research your options and meet with professionals to make a plan.
Also, be aware that an intervention isn’t the only option.
Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is the preferred approach.
What Exactly Is an Intervention?
These includemotivational interviewing,cognitive behavioral therapy, andcouples therapy.
Theseevidence-based treatmentstypically take time and commitment on the part of the person with the addiction but are generally helpful.
It’s important to remember that this approach may not lead to immediate results.
Interventions should be carefully planned and developed by professional counselors who are experienced in these procedures.
Many times, these interventions take place in the workplace, with the full cooperation of the employer.
Sometimes the intervention comes as a total surprise.
This process may be led and guided by an interventionist who is hired by the family or group.
An interventionist should be a qualified mental health professional with training and experience in addiction treatment.
When Are Interventions Used?
Examples of substance and behavioral addictions that may prompt an intervention include:
Do Interventions Work?
Dr. Nelson notes that there is not much research regarding the efficacy of these types of interventions.
However, they may be helpful in getting family members and friends to come together with regard to settingboundaries.
They typically showed that family members chose not to follow through on confronting their loved one.
Bear in mind that all therapiesno matter how effectivewere at one time unproven.
But just because they are accepted practice doesnt mean they are guaranteed to work for everyone.
There is a lack of research to support the use of interventions.
From an anecdotal perspective, however, interventions have mixed reviews.
Some clinicians have had the experience of working with people whose families have conducted interventions.
In some cases, they report that interventions have been helpful in persuading their loved ones to get help.
People who use substances report mixed reactions to being confronted by family, friends, and professionals.
Confrontations that seemed hostile or hypocritical were viewed as unhelpful.
Recap
Interventions lack empirical support and have mixed reviews in actual practice.
People who are confronted in this way often report that interventions are unhelpful.
Intervention Types
There are several types of drug and alcohol interventions.
It focuses on a family-oriented approach to addiction.
In this model, however, the interventionist is trained in handlingcrises during the intervention process and after.
CRAFT has replaced interventions as the preferred method of getting help for people struggling with addiction.
Evidence indicates that CRAFT is effective for helping CSOs in terms of treatment engagement.
It also benefits their mental well-being and family cohesiveness.
TheAmerican Board of Addiction Medicine(ABAM) provides specialized training and certification for physicians.
Talking to an ABAM-certified physician is a great place to start when researching options.
If you feel an intervention might be right for your loved one, consider the following common-sense considerations.
It’s also important to consider who should not be on the intervention team.
Regardless of the reaction, following through is essential.
“They need to be prepared to enforce the consequences they set,” Dr. Nelson emphasizes.
Be sure to state any consequences clearly and dont make any threats youre not willing to carry out.
Know the Risks
Professional intervention is not an option for every family and every situation.
Confronting someone with an addiction is a very risky approach.
You may not be able to persuade your loved one into treatment.
In fact, trying to do so may actually make both their addiction and your relationship with them worse.
In these cases, an intervention can worsen an addiction.
That means an interventionist or well-meaning family member is even less likely to be aware of them.
This does not mean that people are never helped by an intervention.
Long-term support, care, and effective treatments are needed for success.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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