A family member suffering from addiction breaks your heart. You may be ready to confront them but how? A few steps and some preparedness can help your intervention be a successful one. You want to get back your loved one that is lost to the dangerous addiction, so you need to make sure you find all the necessary treatments and the best way to help them.
Drug treatment-detox
When your loved one is addicted to pain killers or heroin, the treatment to cure such a dreadful thing is a must as the duration cannot be determined. For example, opioid treatment can be a long one. The addict will need the support of their loved ones because the road to recovery is a physically exhausting one.
Prepare for best results
Ready to confront them? Prepare yourself for effective intervention. Lack of preparation can cause the addict to feel isolated or attacked. This type of feeling will result in the addict not being receptive to what is heard. Addicts need to hear your concerns.
Explore their behaviours and habit
The behaviours of an addict can tell you how tolerant of the drug they are and how deep into the addiction they have become. While it might not be easy to watch, you need to observe their behaviours and withdrawal from others to see their addictive behaviours. Once you have observed the behaviours, you may be able to figure out what drug they are own. If they do not tell you outright or you see the remnants of it, you may have to do some digging. Their speech, energy level, focus, and other cognitive-behavioural traits can help you better understand the drug.
Universal signs and researching the answers
Various drugs have different symptoms, however, drug addiction has some universal signs. The social withdrawal, not taking care of one’s own appearance, or change in school or work performance. Any of these coupled with the drug-specific signs should be red flags. Print off any materials about the addiction, long term effects, supports for them, and treatments.
The calm and scripted approach works best
Expect resistance. Addicts may not see any issues with their habit, saying “it is for fun” and “it’s not that bad.” Also, they will push back. If they get defensive, you stay calm. Plan what you are going to say because emotions will prove to be an obstacle. Having your script will ensure you are ready to talk to them. And as always, consult a professional. You need to gather all information before confronting them.
Building a team and support for them
Feeling alone is one of the biggest issues an addict faces. They have been doing this habit in secret and once you and your support team bring it to light, they will start feeling alone, like a failure. It is important to support the addict during an intervention.
Support Team
You alone can not run an intervention. A network of close friends and family members is ideal. Also, you should consider a person who specializes in interventions or a counsellor. Give everyone a task to do. Leading the discussion, being a monitor for the addict, and other duties.
The first couple of days
The type of treatment centre you choose is important. You may elect to help them recover at home, which could be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramping, anxiety, and agitation. At a medical facility, the symptoms of opiate withdrawal can be treated to help the recovery process.
Emergency plan and support
The emergency plan needs to be thought out. Once an addict is confronted, they may need a minute. Allow them monitored space to breathe.
When the time comes
Make sure space is a safe space but one that can be controlled. A house is ideal but there can be other options. Are they high? Postpone! A person under the influence is never easy to deal with and not amenable to any discussion.
Once you confront them, tell them what you observed. The addict will try to deny so try to show them evidence. They will become defensive so try to keep and maintain your calm. Make the conversation more open by asking open-ended questions. These questions will allow them to respond and feel heard. Keep your phone on hand to call the treatment centre or anyone needed when necessary.
Doing what is best
In the end, you need to do what is best for your loved one. They need support and guidance. You do not want to watch them deteriorate. Drug addiction is not something a person spontaneously recovers from, so action steps need to be taken. Helping them on their journey to recovery can help you regain your lost loved one before it is too late.
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