People who are addicted to drugs do not believe they have a problem. If there is a problem, it’s your problem. That is a key idea to remember when trying to help a friend or loved one who is in the clutch of addiction.
Just telling that person you are concerned for their health and well being isn’t going to change the addictive behavior. It’s like me telling my dog “Moose” not to chase the rabbits in the back yard. His brain tells him to chase the rabbits.
Need to Stop
Depending on the situation. A person might come to the conclusion that their drug use needs to stop and in some cases there is success. But the majority of people can not just stop using, so they need help. If you are concerned about a loved one. It’s hard for you to be the messenger, because you are too close.
You have an emotional attachment and history with that person. A good example of being too close is found in the wonderful play “The Miracle Worker” when the parents of Helen Keller interfere with the professional help they are receiving from Anne O’Sullivan. Mum and dad feel the therapist is too harsh, or moving too quickly, or too inexperienced, or even too unfeeling.
They are too close to Helen and cannot see the entire situation from beginning to end. They do not know what is in Helen’s best interest or how to proceed. Just react emotionally. They are not objective.
Addiction Interventionist
If you care, you need help. A trained drug addiction interventionist is your best friend. Where you are likely to fail, the professional will succeed over 90% of the time. Drug addiction is serious and life-threatening. If your loved one is addicted, you need to act immediately.
Their situation is not going to improve, because addiction has taken over the loved one’s life and does not want treatment. It’s like having a monkey on their back that controls and directs their life. The monkey isn’t going to let them go.
Another important point to keep in mind is that an intervention, however brief, may make all the difference in the world to getting the addict back on track to restoring his/her health.
Addiction Specialist Intervention
Even a short encounter with an addiction specialist can prove instrumental in helping someone along. Those short visits may lead to putting them into a rehab program, or at least getting in to see a drug counsellor.
Once in the throes of addiction, addicts will no longer be the person they used to be, and as a result. The intervention stages may be difficult for you to witness. Our affection for the person, our feelings get in the way and it is difficult for the family member or friend to remain objective.
The interventionist is key to putting the addict back on the right path to a healthy and successful life.
If you feel you may need an intervention for a loved one, call The Haynes Clinic on 01462 851414.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol rehab and drug rehab addiction treatment centre which not only successfully teaches people how to stop drinking but also offers drug rehabilitation treatment.
