Intervention and Signs of Addiction
What is an Intervention?
It is a process, commonly with a group of people and possibly an addiction counselor, that helps an individual who is addicted to drugs and or alcohol recognize the extent of their addiction and just how serious it has become. People who are in this situation will commonly have a hard time coming to terms with the extent of their use. Anger, denial and even resistance can be met with an intervention situation. Done correctly drug interventions have a 90% success rate.
Setting Up an Intervention
Set a Plan
Once you have decided go forward with an intervention it is important to put a plan in place. Build a solid support system around your plan. Call an addiction counselor who can walk you through the process and help you gain a better understanding.
Prepare
Once you have your support team in place meet together and discuss all the steps that are going to be happening. Rehearse and share thoughts and ideas as many times as needed to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Most importantly make sure your loved one is unaware of your intervention plan
Intervene
Set a time and date for your loved one to meet you. Have your support team already in place and ready for this individual to arrive. Each member can express why they are there and voice their concerns. Then calmly present your treatment plan. It is important to not threaten or give consequences unless you can stick to them.
Hope is
Never Out of Reach
It may not be obvious when someone you know or care about is struggling with drug and or alcohol addiction.
Sometimes we may not want to see whats right in front of us, or we may not exactly know what to be looking for.
Signs and symptoms may present themselves differently with each person, but you may be able to help before it is too late.
If you feel that there is someone in your life struggling with addiction and needs help. Please contact us. It is never to late.
Signs of Addiction
Physical
These signs may very from person to person but physical signs may appear as the following: Weight loss, decreased interest in self care, loss of appetite, pupil dilatation pinpointed pupils, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, trouble sleeping.
Articles or Items
Articles and or items to look out for can be small items such as tinfoil balled up and or burned, burned spoons, needles, rubber bands and or shoelaces, lighters, small glass jars. You may have to go looking for these items as they may be hidden out of sight.
Psychological Signs
Here are some psychological signs to look out for: Low performance at work, lack of motivation, asking for help with finances, extreme mood swings, lack of interest in social gatherings, self isolation, agitated outbursts, paranoia, unexplained aggression.