Why Intervention?
When a loved one has an alcohol or addiction
problem, it is important to remember that they cannot stop on their own. They need some type of
outside help and that first helping hand could be yours. If not you, who will
help? Unfortunately, many well-intentioned family or friends make a huge mistake
when they confront an alcoholic or addict by themselves and with very little
planning. This usually results in a broken relationship or a period of
abstinence on the part of the alcoholic/addict in an attempt to
convince family members there is no addiction or alcoholism problem (don't let
them fool ya!). Whichever way a confrontation ends in the short term, it
is almost certain that the destructive behavior will continue and perhaps get
progressively worse in the end. Therefore, not confrontation, but a well-planned family intervention is the most effective way to
help an alcoholic into a treatment program.
If you have fear about helping a loved one through the
process of intervention, it is important to remember the following::
1. If you permit the alcoholic or
addict to continue their behavior, they will most certainly DIE.
It could be a death due to physical problems (heart attack, liver
disease). They could die from emotional distress by committing suicide
(depression) or they could die due to the excessive behavior (car crash, overdose,…).
If you allow the behavior to
continue, there is no doubt it will end their life sooner or
later.
2. A lot of family and friends of alcoholics/addicts try to modify the
person's behavior through discussion and altercation. This usually makes their efforts fruitless as
self-destructive behavior cannot be
changed through argument.
A
planned intervention involves a group of people who the alcoholic/addict respects
and cares about.
An intervention
executed in a positive and controlled environment maximizes the chances that
your loved one voluntarily seeks treatment.
3. An alcoholic or
addict may want help but is afraid to confront the alcoholism or addiction
due to a belief that there is no hope or a fear of embarrassment. A
well-executed intervention plan might make him come to the realization
that there is hope for the future, without humiliation.
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