Struggling with addiction is challenging, traumatic, and tragic to witness. Families and friends of those who fall victim to this battle, will testify that the pain and suffering of addiction doesn’t only have a heartbreaking effect on addicts. Addicts never struggle alone, sadly, their families and friends are pulled into their downward spiral.
Whether it’s drugs, alcoholism, eating disorders, or other destructive behaviors, it’s hard to sit back and watch a loved one deteriorate. For some, a simple heart to heart is enough to get a loved one started on the road to recovery. However, for most, their loved ones are in resistant, failing to see the negative effects of their lifestyle. This is when families and friends should consider getting professional assistance and arranging an intervention. For those considering an intervention without a professional, it is highly recommended to have assistance from an interventionist who can facilitate and provide a structured process.
Many people are familiar with the A&E show Intervention. In this show, we witness groups of families and friends with a professional interventionist, who present their loved one with a structured planned process for recovery and therapeutic group discussions. Interventions are meant to encourage addicts to stop their destructive lifestyle, get treatment and therapy, etc. to regain health and wellness. It is important for not only addicts to receive therapy during this process, but members of the intervention group should also get therapy and find support groups.
An intervention is meant to open doors to recovery for families, friends, and addicts, but doesn’t guarantee a cure. There is the reality of an addict relapsing, which is why continued therapy and support from professionals, families, and friends are highly important. It takes a great deal of strength from everyone involved.
Families and friends seeking professional assistance for an intervention don’t have to sign up for the A&E show, there are options available in your local area. If you are located in San Diego or a surrounding city and struggling with a loved one suffering from addiction or destructive behaviors, please contact us at Crownview Medical Group. We have offices in Carlsbad and Coronado offering assistance with interventions.
Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction. (2011, August 23). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 20, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451
7 Common Misconceptions About Addiction Interventions. (2013, August 23). Psychcentral. Retrieved June 20, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/26/7-common-misconceptions-about-addiction-interventions/
The 411 on Addiction Interventions: What is an intervention and how do I find a reputable interventionist. (2012, August 14). Psychology Today. Retrieved June 20, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201208/the-411-addiction-interventions
