If your loved one is struggling with addiction or an addictive behavior, he or she might not realize they have a problem. Addiction is complicated and changes the way the brain functions. The stigma surrounding addiction can make your loved one afraid to ask for help. Addiction is isolating. It interferes with relationships, responsibilities, savings, job performance, and productivity. Drug and alcohol use increases the risk of serious health complications, overdose, organ failure, and death.
When a person is addicted, their brain becomes physically and physiologically dependent on the drugs or alcohol to function. Agonizing and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms make ending drug or alcohol use extremely difficult.
What is an intervention?
When a loved one is addicted, encouraging him or her to get help can be difficult. An intervention is a great way to convince your loved one he or she needs help. An intervention presents your loved one with a structured plan to make changes before things get worse, and it can motivate him or her to accept treatment. An intervention helps your loved one face their problems with drugs or alcohol and allows them to see how much family and friends care.
What happens in an intervention?
An intervention usually includes family, friends, and an intervention specialist who acts as a mediator and monitors the communication throughout the intervention. During the intervention, express to your loved one the importance of his or her getting treatment. The Mayo Clinic suggests the intervention is designed to:
- Provide specific examples of destructive behaviors and their impact on your loved one with the addiction and family and friends
- Offer a prearranged treatment plan with clear steps, goals and guidelines
- Spell out what each person will do if your loved one refuses to accept treatment
Avoid shaming or demeaning language toward your loved one about his or her addictive behavior. Addiction makes a person feel ashamed, guilty, and hopeless. Stay positive and encourage your loved one to get help.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, do not be afraid to ask for help. Addiction is isolating, but you are not alone. At Cypress Lakes Lodge Addiction Recovery Center, we recognize the importance of every client’s physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Take the first step toward a newly restored, healthy lifestyle in sobriety and get help today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204