Drug and Alcohol Interventions

There is no single cause of addiction. Common factors that contribute to this disease might include:

• Genetics and family history
• Mental health issues
• Trauma
• Easy access to substances
• Childhood abuse, neglect, and separation from family
• High levels of stress
• Peer pressure

Those with a substance use disorder can experience both a physical and psychological dependence on the substance, whether drugs or alcohol.

If someone with a substance use disorder tries to stop using the substance on their own, they may experience dangerous physical symptoms that can make it nearly impossible to stop without medical care and professional support.

Substance use disorder and addiction is not a lack of control or a moral failing. It is a disease that rewires the brain, which can lead to poor decision-making skills and loss of impulse control. It is a progressive disease that can lead to devastating consequences if it is not identified and treated.

Substance use disorder and addiction affect the entire family unit, leading to anger, distrust, hurt, and resentment, which impacts the family in numerous, unhealthy ways. Substance use disorder strains relationships no matter which person in the family is struggling. Whether it’s a sibling, parent, child, or spouse, every member will suffer alongside the loved one.

Family members may respond to the consequences of substance use in different ways. Some may withdraw completely while others might try to take control of the situation. Substance use creates additional risks in all areas of life which includes medical and physical health, legal, financial, and relationship issues and more.

Early diagnosis and immediate intervention for any chronic progressive disease increase the chances of successful recovery. Drug and alcohol addiction is no different. Just like chronic physical diseases, these illnesses require care and medical attention to heal as well as lifelong management and healthy habits. Allowing the continued misuse of substances to persist untreated can have serious mental and physical effects, and can even be fatal. Unfortunately, barriers to seeking guidance and support remain — in particular, it can be difficult or impossible for someone to realize or admit that they are in need of help.

A drug or alcohol addiction intervention can be the best way to express your concern and ensure there is a productive outcome. An intervention can be a safe place to address the substance use under the guidance of a trained professional who can lead the conversation and create a plan of action that is directed at the desired outcome.

Hired Power has well over 20 years of experience in interventions. We work with the client before, during, and after the intervention, including placement and a Personal Recovery Assistant. Our services include a pre-intervention workshop, intervention, safe passage, and aftercare case management. By bringing families and loved ones together to provide support, the whole family system can begin to heal, learn new communication and coping skills, as well as effective strategies to deal with the issues at hand. Interventions also help those around an affected individual to set positive boundaries and agree on ways to handle the situation as a unified front.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s substance use, it is never too soon to encourage them to enter treatment. In fact, intervention should take place as soon as a substance use disorder becomes apparent. Delaying intervention could impact the success of the recovery process.

There are several signs your loved one might exhibit to help you recognize when it may be time for intervention. These may include:

• Changes in behavior patterns
• Deterioration of relationships
• Loss of employment
• Difficulty or failing in school
• Increased tolerance to larger amounts of the substance
• Signs of mental confusion or “mental fog”
• Changes in appearance/ declining self-care
• Enhanced emotions
• Financial problems
• Isolation or withdrawal from friends and loved ones
• Hospitalization for an overdose or other medical crises
• Legal issues, such as arrests for illegal possession of drugs or a DUI

Once you decide it is time for intervention, the next step is to reach out for help.

Interventions are designed to help the family present a plan to their loved one. Led by an experienced professional, the plan will include coaching, planning, and determining the best course of action for the individual. If a mental illness is also present – known as a co-occurring disorder – both diseases will be addressed as part of the treatment plan.
An intervention is an opportunity for the friends, family and loved ones to approach the individual – often for the very first time – to share their love and concerns. The intervention specialist will provide guidance and direction to maintain a healthy and constructive interaction. The family, friends, and loved ones will receive information and support on their role throughout the recovery process.
At Hired Power, our team of professionals are with you from the very beginning. Starting with your initial phone call and extending through 12 months of monitoring and aftercare services, we will be there to support you every step of the way. Hired Power interventionists are a team of professionals made up of nationally board-registered interventionists, certified alcohol & drug counselors (CADC), and participating members of the Association of Intervention Specialists.

An intervention is meant to be an outpouring of love and support with a heartfelt discussion about how an individual’s substance use is affecting their life and the lives of those closest to them. Above all, it is an opportunity for family and friends to express that they care about someone struggling with addiction and that they want to see them take steps to heal.

Approaching the situation with a level head and a clear plan means you can offer someone a solution for their substance abuse rather than simply call attention to the problem. Professional interventions are one of the best ways to handle an emotional situation while staying organized and focused. With the help of someone who knows the best course of action, you can break the cycle of denial and help your loved one get the treatment they need.

If you know someone struggling with addiction, there is no reason to hesitate to get help. Contact Hired Power at 800.585.5816 and speak with our recovery and intervention professionals 24/7— we can help you find out if an intervention is the right next step.