The support of friends and family members is integral to a substance abuser's journey to recovery. One concerned voice may be all that it takes for an individual to seek professional help, but it often takes a chorus of friends and family members to drive their concerns home.
Before staging an intervention, it's important to consult with a professional. The assistance of a professional can help keep the intervention on track, ensuring the effort has the best possible chance of succeeding. Even if the intervention appears fruitless, it will serve as a powerful reminder to the substance abuser of the support he or she has.
Discipline is important in overcoming drug addiction. In many cases, it takes much more than an individual's willpower to break the cycle of drug dependence and adhere to a reformed lifestyle. Addiction has been classified as an illness by medical experts, and it's a condition that requires professional assistance to address.
There are differences in the ways in which addiction manifests itself within people. Substance abuse may completely derail the lives of some users, while others are able to conceal many of the problems drug dependence creates in their lives.
Behavioral issues, such as marked decline in performance at work or school, can hint at the development of a drug habit. Increased secrecy, seclusion and drastic changes in social habits can also be indicators of a drug addiction. Other behavioral issues that could indicate a person has a drug abuse problem include a decline of finances, theft, missing medication and the presence of drug paraphernalia. While many of the aforementioned signs may be completely unrelated to drug and alcohol abuse on their own, the combination of several of them should raise serious concerns.
Physical signs of substance dependence can include pronounced changes in appearance, such as a lack of hygiene, severe weight loss, needle marks, bruises and open sores. Restlessness and chronic sickness can also serve as signs of addiction. Like behavioral signs, the aforementioned physical signs are much more significant when they are accompanied by other indicators.
It is important to consult with an intervention specialist who can assist the family with how to approach the addict, and what to say during the meeting. As it can be a very emotional time, family and friends must come from a place of love and compassion. This process is meant to help the addict realize the toll drug abuse has taken on his or her life, and to persuade them to accept and receive help.
Here are the basic steps for a successful intervention:
No one should ever believe that the road to recovery from a drug addiction will be without snares and trials. The journey will test the endurance of the substance abuser, as well as that of friends and family members. At Drug Treatment Centers New Haven, we can assist you or a loved one find addiction treatment centers. To find out more about, contact (877) 804-1531.