Those who have been there themselves will agree that starting an intervention can go a long way toward enabling a loved one to see how much of a toll their substance use disorder is taking on their life. Additionally, it might not be a bad idea to let them know that they are not alone in their struggles. After all, studies show that many people find strength in solidarity and community and, as a result, are more motivated to change their lives for the better when they see others doing the same. And since we are discussing studies, this would be an opportune time to point out just how prevalent substance use disorders are in this country.
According to a study published by the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. is home to about 27 million people who have a substance abuse problem of some kind. While this data is, indeed, concerning, there is a silver lining in this proverbial dark cloud insofar as a reported 10 percent of individuals struggling with addiction do receive the help they need to get their life back on track. And for many, the first step in doing so is heeding the advice of friends and family members that orchestrated an intervention on their behalf and then starting an addiction recovery program at a licensed rehab facility.
What Happens During an Intervention?
Arguably, one of the most troubling things about addiction is that most people fail to realize that they have an addiction. For this reason, it often takes friends and family members orchestrating an intervention for users to finally see what they have been observing all along. With that, let’s take a moment to familiarize ourselves with what intervention is all about. The long and short of it is an intervention is a planned process executed by the friends and family members of an individual with a substance use disorder. They are also typically done in collaboration with a physician, addiction expert, or interventionist. During an intervention, these individuals will work collectively to point out examples of destructive behaviors their loved one engages in while under the influence or as they go about trying to obtain their substance of choice. They will also spell out what they will do if their loved one refuses to seek the necessary to overcome their addiction.
What Are the Different Types of Drug and Alcohol Interventions?
Something to note when it comes to interventions is there is more than one kind. The approach described in the prior section of this article is known as the Johnson Model, and it is usually the first one that comes to mind whenever people think about interventions. While not as popular, the following are also types of interventions that are effective in getting individuals to put substance abuse behind them once and for all:
Crisis intervention – This intervention style is often a go-to for friends and family members of an individual with a co-occurring disorder, which is a clinical term that describes one’s simultaneous struggle with addiction and a mental illness at the same time. During a crisis intervention, friends and family will do all of the same things typically done in the Johnson Model. However, they will take steps to have their loved one involuntarily admitted to a hospital or rehab facility if they are unwilling to do so on their own accord.
Confrontational model – This intervention style might be looked upon as guilting someone into getting the help they need to break the cycle of addiction. Popularized in movies and on television shows, the confrontation model is every bit like it sounds. In essence, this intervention style involves friends and family members firmly challenging the addictive behaviors of a loved one, which they do by pointing out unsettling behaviors and the associated consequences that stem from their addiction. Afterward, the onus will be on that loved one to take the steps necessary to get their life back on track, which, in part, means seeking help at a licensed rehab facility.
Final Thoughts on Drug And Alcohol Interventions
Along with intervention types discussed in this article, many others are also effective when it comes down to getting individuals to stop using. According to a study published by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the success rate of nearly all intervention types sits at around 90 percent. With that in mind, if you’re interested in learning more about interventions or finding a rehab facility in your area, consider speaking with one of our friendly associates today at 833-497-3808.