Addiction and mental health are closely linked. It’s important to remember that when someone becomes addicted to a substance or action, the body undergoes changes that affect brain chemistry and behavior. This can lead to many adverse side effects, including diminished impulse control, poor judgment, and difficulty staying focused. It can also affect a person’s relationship with addiction, making quitting harder.
While friends and family members may hope a loved one struggling with addiction or a mental health condition takes steps toward recovery, it may be difficult for the individual to take these steps on their own. This is why mental health and addiction interventions are often the empowering first step in beginning the healing process and making the changes necessary for a healthy life. When an intervention helps an individual take concerns to heart and desire to make changes, they will accept recovery solutions to improve their addiction and/or mental health. This is worthy of celebration, but it is only the beginning of the journey to a happier, healthier life.
After the intervention
Individuals may find excuses to delay or refuse treatment after an intervention, so it is critical to have a plan in place and begin the first step outlined immediately after an intervention takes place. As part of the intervention, a trained interventionist will work with family and friends to research professional recovery solutions and help them prepare to immediately get their loved one into a program or center for recovery. The following strategies can help guide recovering individuals and their loved ones as they begin the healing journey.
Set realistic expectations
Before beginning a post-intervention care plan, the individual and their loved ones should identify goals, expectations, and what they want to accomplish in recovery. Working with experienced recovery professionals who can guide you through the process and help you understand the journey is important for success.
Addiction and mental health conditions are different for each person, and while some struggle with substance use disorder, others have process addiction or mental health disorders. A professional can provide specific information and support to a family based on unique circumstances and needs.
Maintain a support system
Support is critical throughout recovery, both for the person in crisis and their family members. As your loved one goes through detox, therapy, and other stages of recovery, they need a strong and consistent support system that shows up through the wins and the losses. Not every day will be a good day. Many times, individuals in recovery can battle compelling thoughts throughout their life. A support system can help encourage and reinforce healthy habits and help the individual feel supported.
Family members of those in recovery also need support. Reach out to other family members or friends so no one is alone, and understand that everyone needs to feel loved and supported throughout the process. You can provide support to your family and recovering loved one by:
- Calling or writing letters
- Making in-person visits with uplifting conversations
- Participating in family days or therapy sessions
- Engaging in solutions for a higher quality of life
How an addiction intervention specialist can help
Early identification and treatment of substance use disorders and mental health concerns can lead individuals to recovery. The most critical aspect of recovery is finding a program with expert professionals who understand different recovery approaches and can create personalized recovery plans that address an individual’s unique needs.
It is never too early for intervention and recovery. Substance use disorders and mental health disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening diseases that require professionally guided intervention and care. It is important to find a comprehensive mental health and addiction intervention specialist or service that can help:
- Plan and implement an intervention
- Find appropriate recovery facilities and specialists
- Provide safe transportation to treatment
- Support and educate individuals and family members
Hired Power provides addiction and mental health services to struggling individuals and their families. We provide family-centered services because we believe it is the key to lifelong success and a better quality of life. Our trained and certified professionals provide compassionate and personalized care throughout recovery, from mental health and addiction intervention services to aftercare planning. After an intervention, Hired Power can support individuals through:
- Safe passage
- Data-driven monitoring
- Personal recovery advocates
- Case management
- Customizable coaching
We offer complete coordination of interventions and ethical treatment of individuals. Let us take care of you and your family — contact us to learn more about interventions and recovery resources.
