When people hear the word “intervention,” their minds often jump to one built around confronting someone about a drug or alcohol addiction. While drug interventions and alcohol interventions are the ones that get the most focus, interventions can help people dealing with other issues. If you’re wondering whether it’s appropriate to stage an intervention for someone in your life, read on to find out more about situations where one might be warranted, or call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306.
How Do Interventions Work?
It’s important to break free of any perceptions picked up from popular media about how interventions are supposed to work. While it’s great when people respond positively to efforts from friends and loved ones to get them help, that’s not always the case. Sometimes individuals are not in a place where they’re willing to listen to the concerns of others. They may brush off your concerns or put on a show of listening only to go back to their old behavior.
People can get to the point of no return, where they recognize they have a problem but have no intentions of changing. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort. Just remember that treatment for any addiction or illness must be the person’s choice with the problem. Emotional blackmail and ultimatums are not likely to get you the result you desire.
Families who decide to stage drug interventions or other types for a loved one should equip themselves with facts. It’s good to have someone like an addiction specialist who can keep things on track and not let the situation devolve into something counter-productive.
When Should I Have an Intervention?
Before confronting a loved one, start observing patterns of behavior that provide you with specifics. For example, if you’re concerned a family member may have an eating disorder, take notes of when they skip meals, if you observe or hear them throwing meals back up, or binge-eating.
If you suspect that a mental health disorder may be the cause of your loved one’s behavior, consult with a professional and tell them about your concerns. You don’t want to confront a loved one about such a sensitive subject without having a complete understanding of their potential issues.
Talk with other family members and friends about whether they’ve had the same observations. If there’s a similarity to each of your experiences, that can give you more confidence.
Ideally, you should have an intervention for your loved one before their issues devolve to the point where they’re putting their health or lives at risk. However, you may end up in a place where you must present a family member with stark choices.
What Do I Do if the Intervention Doesn’t Work?
If your intervention efforts fail, start thinking about protecting your physical and mental health. Look into getting therapy to help you deal with the emotional stress caused by your loved one’s issues. They can help you recognize whether you’re enabling certain behaviors. You can’t provide adequate support for someone else if you’re not properly looking after yourself.
Do what you can to keep the lines of communication open with your family member. There is a possibility that the intervention won’t work out as you hoped. However, there may come a time where they’re ready to take your advice and seek treatment for their problems.
Find Help For Your Loved Ones at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
If someone in your life needs help, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida can provide the support they need. Programs and services offered at our Florida facility include:
Find out more about how Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida might be able to help by calling 866.294.5306, or contact us online.
