Effective Family Substance Abuse Intervention Strategies

Drug abuse can change the relationships with loved ones, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Addiction affects the chemicals in the brain to change the behavior of the person abusing the drugs. Drug abusers often need outside help to recognize addiction and obtain sobriety from the substance. Family interventions help open the lines of communication within a family and encourage the drug abuser to seek treatment. Because all families have different dynamics, effective strategies will cater to both the family and substance abuser.

Preparation

Before beginning an intervention, the family must decide on their approach, according to intervention.com. Identify every family member and friend to be involved with the intervention. Hold a group practice session where letters or statements are communicated out loud.

Informal Family

This intervention approach involves family members meeting with the substance abusing individual in an informal setting. The family addresses concerns and asks if the substance abuser would get help. This intervention strategy should encourage communication among the family members and allow the substance abuser to feel loved.

Counseling Intervention

This intervention strategy involves having a counselor present and communicating problems among the family. During this intervention strategy, the family members relay their concerns and outline changes they will make in their relationship with the drug abuser if treatment is refused. While immediate treatment is not a requirement during this time, this counseling intervention proves more serious than the informal family intervention.

Professionally Guided Surprise

A professional interventionist meets beforehand with the family and then guides the intervention. In this strategy the subject is surprised by the family. The goal is for the person to admit there is a problem and agree to obtain treatment during the session. According to thehartcenter(dot)com, the resolution involves one of two options: The loved one leaves the session and immediately enters treatment or the family implements consequences such as limiting their exposure or communication with the abuser.

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