An intervention is an opportunity for family to show love and support to someone in desperate need. Often thought of as a last-ditch effort to get a person with an addiction help, interventions can be life changing when appropriately planned.
Does your loved one need this type of support?
It can be hard to come to the realization that their life depends on it. Consider these signs that an intervention is essential.
#1: Your Loved One Is Denying a Problem That’s Evident to You
One of the most important indications that your loved one needs an intervention is a denial that there’s a problem. Often, their substance use is impacting their health, relationships, and work. You can see it. You’ve talked to them about it. Yet, they continue to say they are in control and “just fine.” Many people with an addiction believe they have control over it. Yet, most do not. Some never recognize the negative effects their actions have on those around them.
#2: Destructive Behavior Is Leading to High Risks
Maybe drinking too much and getting behind the wheel is putting your loved one’s life on the line—not to mention endangering everyone else on the road. Or perhaps your loved one has overdosed previously from drug use. Significant destructive behavior is a clear indication of an addiction. If your loved one doesn’t recognize this and take action to stop it, it’s time to consider an intervention to discuss it in a more formal, focused manner.
#3: Your Loved One Refuses Treatment
Regardless of the opportunities you’ve presented, your loved one may be unwilling to seek help. In some situations, they may admit to using drugs or drinking excessively. They may even admit to needing to stop. Yet, they refuse treatment. It’s carried on for months or years, and no amount of encouragement is helping.
Sometimes, an intervention is what someone needs to hear to just push them over the edge to seek out care. Your loved one may need that extra push to make the right decision.
#4: They Are Lying to You
Addiction interferes with the way the brain thinks. Over time, a person is unable to make any good decision. The only thing that becomes important is finding more of the substance they desire. As a result, they hide, cheat, steal, and lie to get it. They know you’re watching them, but they still physically and emotionally need the substance.
Deceptive behavior like this is very common in addicts who are beyond the level of controlling their use. During an intervention, it will be important to point out this deception to show your loved one that you know the problem is ongoing.
#5: Their Health Is Deteriorating
Overdoses are just one way drug abuse can impact a person’s health. It can also destroy their liver, impact their heart health, and create complications in brain health. When their health complications are rising, it’s time to finally force their hand.
For example, if your loved one is once again in the hospital after a health scare, confront them. Tell them they cannot come home unless they get help. Hold an intervention there if you need to do so.
It’s important to do this when the individual is facing mortality. When he or she is in the hospital, they may also be off the substance long enough to gain a clear head to see what’s happening. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms may be showing them just how addicted they are.
#6: They Always Need More
One area of constant concern is prescription drug use. Knowing when a person has pushed the line too far and is now facing addiction isn’t easy. To notice this, consider how much of a tolerance they’ve built up over the years. If they constantly need more of the same substance to get the results they want, it’s time to realize addiction is present. This warrants seeking out an intervention for immediate help.
#7: You Just Can’t Do It Anymore
This is the bottom line many people have. They’re tired, frustrated, and terrified about what’s happening. They may even be financially ruined.
You want to help your loved one, but nothing you do is accomplishing this. It’s time to stop giving in and putting up with it. This is when an intervention is essential.
To learn more about programs offered at English Mountain Recovery, TN addiction recovery center, call and speak with someone today at (877) 615-8569. We are ready to help you or your loved one recover.
