The truth is not everyone who uses a particular drug will become an addict. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), there are millions of drug users around the world but not all of these individuals will need medical treatment for drug dependence. However, this fact must not be taken lightly. Even if it does not always lead to addiction, substance abuse could severely affect your ability to live a productive life.
Watching someone dear to you self-destruct due to substance abuse is difficult. Either it is due to alcohol or drugs, the physical and mental damages are similarly threatening. It doesn’t take an online human services degree to know that medical rehabilitation is the answer. But you also know that getting someone to go into rehab is not easy. Addiction is a complicated topic and if you want to talk to someone struggling with addiction, you need to craft an effective intervention strategy. This problem becomes more challenging especially when your friend or someone close to you has not shown willingness to consider treatment. Usually, intervention comes from friends and family members who want to restore a productive and harmonious life for the addicted individual.
If you are dealing with this problem, consider the following guidelines.
1) Get the facts straight before the conversation.
A working knowledge about the nature of addiction is crucial especially when you plan to convince a person to go to a rehab facility. Gather articles that discuss and explain the psychological, biological, and physical components of addiction. Having the right information helps you avoid making false assumptions about the person involved.
Addiction is a complex mental disease that is characterized by an uncontrollable craving for certain drugs and other addictive substances. It is also manifested by a compulsive drug-seeking behavior. In extreme cases, this behavior leads to criminal activities. On the other hand, you should also understand that some people have a biological predisposition toward this mental disease. That is why get your facts straight first before you assume full responsibility for another person.
2) Device a plan of action.
After your research, it might prove useful if you make a list of what you intend to say. This list could also be used as an outline to help you navigate the topic more intelligently. Delving into the topic totally unprepared is counterproductive. As you open the discussion, focus on the behavior of the person that recently caused alarm to the people around you. This opportunity is the best time to suggest the most suitable rehab center.
3) Provide positive affirmation.
It is worth repeating that when it comes to intervention, positive affirmation helps remind the person that your efforts stem from genuine concern. Positive affirmation allows the addicted individual to remember personal traits that make him or her special and valuable to his friend and family. This kind of reinforcement strengthens the person’s willingness to go to a rehab center. Create a warm and loving atmosphere during the conversation so that the person will not feel judged by your moral standards.
Bear in mind that intervention is a process. Expect a bumpy ride because most of the time, your efforts will not go smoothly. The person may not feel comfortable or may even disregard your advice and suggestions. Be patient and calm. Do not let your frustration impede your efforts to help someone to recover from addiction especially it involves a family member.
If you want to help someone, you should make sure you have made the necessary preparation. Consult a health professional if you need more tips and expert opinion.