Drug Addiction Intervention Tips

When somebody you know and care about is suffering drug addiction, it can be very difficult to confront them. Denial is a huge portion of drug addiction, and a victim may try to push you away as a result if you try to intervene.

Nobody likes to be told "You have a problem", so the last thing you may want to do is tell somebody you care about that they have a problem. However, the worst thing you can do if someone you care about has a drug addiction is do nothing.

When you 'turn the lights on' for somebody, they will be upset with you. Expecting that to happen and being prepared will help you avoid feeling hurt or offended. Remind both the victim and yourself that you are trying to help.

Don't try to do it alone!

In a one on one setting, it can be frustrating trying to get through to somebody.

Though it may seem cruel to 'put them on the spot', having a group of people intervene is far more effective than a single person confrontation

Not only can a larger group of people strengthen the case when telling a victim that they have a problem, but they can also give more backbone. If you try to talk to somebody you care for about their drug addiction in a one on one setting, you are more susceptible to their defensive arguments.

Once you have pointed out that addiction has become a problem, the victim will withdraw. During this sensitive time, it is important to maintain a balance of 'space' and 'persistence'.

A drug addict will isolate themselves for 2 main reasons.

One is that they need to go inside and take the first step towards addiction recovery: acknowledgement of the drug addiction. Allowing a person to isolate is vital towards their recovery, yet at the same time it is just as important to continuously show support and offer suggestions.

There are many effective and healthy ways to show persistence, and there are many ways that could backfire. For example, encouraging positive behavior is more effective than criticizing negative behavior.

Before performing an intervention, prepare yourself for the reality than an addict will not instantly 'snap out of it' and be free of drug use. Drug addiction is a disease.

Expect that a person will continue to use drugs after being confronted. Trying to encourage healthier activities will help more than trying to discourage the negative ones.

Also prepare yourself for subtlety. A person may feel embarrassed to admit that they need help and don't know what to do. Without being too obvious, you can let somebody know that professional help is available for a successful recovery from drug addiction.

During an intervention, a group should confront a victim full force. Point out every aspect of the person’s life that has been affected by drug addiction, but maintain a positive attitude that the addiction can be defeated once the addict is willing to seek help. Don’t be too critical!

Provide the victim with information on the professional help that is available. It can be helpful to give pamphlets or fliers of drug rehab centers.

After the intervention, you will need to back off just enough to let the afflicted know that you are still willing to help them seek help, but without pushing them or rushing them into taking the first step. They will let you know when they are ready.

A drug addiction intervention is a very difficult thing to do, and you are a wonderful friend for doing it. The process involves a lot of personal strength and a lot of patience. The end results are worth the struggle!