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Drug Interventions
in California

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How to Help an Addicted Loved One

Alcohol and Drug Interventions
in California

If a friend or loved one is struggling with drug addiction but seems incapable of getting clean by his or herself, one of the most practical steps friends or family can take is to stage an intervention. The goal of substance abuse intervention programs should be clear: to convince the loved one to accept treatment in the hopes of achieving long-term health and sobriety. However, improperly staging an intervention can send the loved one even deeper into their drug or alcohol addiction. Knowing how to properly conduct an intervention is essential.

Realizing the need for an effective alcohol or drug intervention program is the first step on the road to recovery for any addict. From there, it is critical that you have substance abuse treatment center already lined up in the case that the addict is ready to get help.

What to Expect?

What is an Intervention?

Often assisted by a professional drug and alcohol counselor, an intervention is a staged process wherein family and friends confront a loved one about their drug or alcohol problems. It is usually conducted in a comfortable and safe location, and set at an appropriate time. The point is not to “spring” the intervention on the loved one—though it may feel like that to them—the point is to encourage the loved one to listen to your genuine concerns and to accept alcohol or drug treatment.

A successful substance abuse intervention will check several boxes. Ideally, it will:

Demonstrate to the loved one, by using anecdotes and examples, how their behavior has negatively impacted his or her family and friends
Clearly explain to the loved one what each family member will do if he or she refuses to accept treatment
Present the loved one with a prearranged treatment plan, which can begin as soon as possible

It’s difficult to measure success rates, but what treatment centers do know is that of the countless families that contact them hoping to arrange an intervention, only about 10% actually go through with it. Of those that do, the majority of them are “successful,” meaning that the loved one accepts the treatment plan.

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Understanding the Process

How to Plan a Successful Drug or Alcohol Intervention in California

Interventions can work, but they require a team of friends and family. It’s also highly recommended that they are assisted by a professional interventionist. Without proper preparation, family and friends can lose sight of the goal and get lost in their frustrations while confronting the addict. Our drug interventionists in California know how to keep the conversation moving.

The first step should be to make a plan. After consulting with a professional counselor, assemble a team of people who are close with the loved one, and, very importantly, on good terms with that person. If they are faced with someone they dislike, they may feel judged or uncomfortable and leave the intervention prematurely.

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The Do's & Don'ts of an Intervention

Make Sure You Do:

Spend time talking about the next step—treatment—instead of dwelling on the substance abuse problem
Contact a professional interventionist before you stage the intervention
Approach the intervention without any pent-up anger or frustration that might jeopardize the event
Remember that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing

Make Sure You Don't:

Lie to the loved one: during the planning stage you should determine what you’re going to do if the loved one doesn’t accept treatment, and you should be ready to follow through
Expect that the loved one will miraculously see the light: interventions are challenging, confrontational, and may not work the first time
Attempt the intervention by yourself: make sure that you have assembled a team of people who care about the loved one and are willing to act in good faith during the process

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How to Help Your Loved One

Who Doesn't Want Help

If you’ve staged an intervention and your loved one refused help, don’t feel like there’s nothing left to do. In the mind of the addict, they have control of their situation and can quit whenever they want to. This is a sad fallacy, and in most cases, they will require assistance eventually.

If you made promises during the intervention that detailed ways you would react if the loved one rejected treatment, make sure that you follow through. Show the loved one that you’re serious, not only about your promises to them but about your desire to see them improve their condition.

Finally, if the first intervention didn’t work, you can always stage a second. Sometimes persistence is the only way to get a loved one to accept treatment. If all families and friends gave up on the first round, there would be far fewer patients in rehab centers, and many more families agonizing over the possible fate of a loved one.

If you or a loved one is ready to seek treatment for substance abuse addiction, the time to get started is now. At Lake Arrowhead Recovery Network, our experienced professionals can guide you on the different drug and alcohol intervention programs in California available. Don’t wait to seek addiction intervention and treatment until it’s too late. Let our experienced team help you through the entire treatment process today.