Drug Abuse Confrontation Techniques

Watching a loved one struggle with drug addiction is an extremely difficult position to be in. Learning to confront the issue is yet another. Before a discussion can take place, it is important to determine whether the individual in question is aware of the issue at hand. Many addicts have trouble recognizing substance abuse problems; a fact that may ultimately alter the way to address the issue.

Instructions

1 – Think before you speak. Having an organized plan of action prior to the discussion is key to a positive outcome. Determine which points should be addressed and what wording to use. These confrontations can be emotionally draining as is without having to scrounge about for the right word. Write out your thoughts ahead to time to keep both you and the conversation focused and on track.

2 – Be realistic. Not every confrontation will end on a happy note; there may not be kisses, hugs and thank yous. You may be met will anger, denial, yelling and defiance. Many addicts are simply not ready to face their substance abuse issues. By preparing yourself for the worst, you stand a much better chance of success.

3 – Provide alternatives and solutions. Simply suggesting that someone quit using will do little to change the situation. Have a plan of action ready! Look into local rehab facilities, counselors and support groups to further your cause. If you expect resistance, you may consider organizing a drug intervention to further illustrate the effect their addiction has had on those surrounding them.

Strategies For A Successful Intervention

Choosing the right family intervention strategies can be tricky. What works well in one instance may not necessarily be the proper course of action for another. Interventions exist in a number of forms: Some bluntly express a need for change. Others can be more subtle. Depending on the subject and circumstances, it may be necessary to perform several interventions before getting the intended message across. In this entry, we will discuss some common strategies to employ in hopes of a happy outcome.

Counseling

People abuse alcohol for a variety of reasons. Some self medicate in an effort to address underlying issues they may not even know exist. An intervention can be subtle, such as a suggestion to seek professional counseling. Even in cases where the individual does not intend to quit drinking, working with a seasoned counselor may help them come to grips with the full extent of their issues.

Stop Enabling

An individual who is unable to maintain steady employment and regularly borrows money from friendly and family members is typically only obtaining help to continue their irresponsible behaviors. If an alcoholic is not provided reasons to alter their ways, the cycle will perpetuate.

Though you may view it as harsh, the absolute best way to aid a struggling addict is by cutting off their lifeline. When loved ones put their foot down in regard to financial support, the addict is forced to look at their situation in a more delicate manner. Chances are that after a week or so without cash flow, they will choose to gain employment or seek professional help.

Restricted Contact

Many alcoholics display behaviors that are simply inappropriate when they are under the influence. They may allow anger to get the best of them; they may curse, yell, or simply become belligerent. If this behavior is regularly displayed in front of children, such as nieces, nephews or grandchildren, it’s important to set boundaries by restricting their contact until help is obtained. This technique is not only beneficial to the individual in question, but the children as well. The idea that they are no longer allowed to communicate with their loved ones may be just enough to consider recovery possibilities.

The Benefits of Sobriety

Drug and alcohol addiction leads to an array of issues affecting the user’s health, career, relationships and finances, among other things. Breaking the addiction cycle and choosing a sober lifestyle offers the potential for numerous benefits and possibilities that would otherwise remain hidden from view. Though this road can certainly be a challenging one to navigate, the positives await at our destination far outweigh any possible negatives.

Self-Realization

Alcohol often brings out negative aspects in its users. Removing alcohol from the equation provides you with the opportunity to be self-reliant and free. Sobriety allows us to uncover and reconnect with the real you – the genuine article. With the clarity gained from sobriety, it is much easier to determine who you really are and where you are headed in life. The possibilities are endless.

Opportunity

Any time we use exterior substances to ensure happiness, stress relief or to deal with our troubles, it traps us. Life becomes unimaginable without the crutch, and your day becomes consumed by ensuring you are able to obtain it. Alcohol dependency places limits on what we believe we can accomplish. A sober person is not inhibited by alcohol; They do not sabotage betterment efforts; They are free to live how they choose.

Health

Excessive alcohol use works to damage each and every part of our bodies, leading to health deficiencies and illness. Once alcohol is removed from your life, your body will begin to replenish its supply of minerals and vitamins. Your organs will heal, and in time, your metabolism will kick back into gear.

Relationships

Sobriety provides us with the opportunity to renew damaged relationships with loved ones. Addicts will commonly take center stage and priority to everything else in life, causing hurt, embarrassment and resentment among those we care for. By removing the alcohol barrier, the healing process can begin to play out.

Need Help?

If a loved one is suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction, call an intervention specialist to start your path to recovery.

“Thank You For The Intervention”

Making a point to thank a friend or family member who helps you overcome a self-destructive behavior is a noble act indeed. Self-destructive behaviors are generally associated with addictive personalities and can quickly ruin an individual’s life if left alone. Common examples include drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, or even internet preoccupation. In a great number of instances, successfully overcoming the addiction requires the intervention of an outside person or group. Once the addict has embarked on the road to recovery, a simple “thank you” may be in order. Here’s how to go about it:

1 – Sit down and write out a thoughtful thank you letter to the individual or group who spearheaded your recovery. Communicate your gratitude and offer up specific details regarding how the intervention helped you.

2 – Conclude your letter with details pertaining to your post-intervention life. Perhaps the best way to express your gratitude is to provide examples of just how your life has turned around since the invention.

3 – Pick up the phone and give them call. A one-on-one conversation will provide the individual responsible for the alcohol invention an opportunity to understand the full extent of your gratitude and sincerity. Another advantage of a phone conversation is the ability to communicate your progress in recovery.

4 – Think of a personalized gift to send the individual. This gift does not have to pertain to the recovery or intervention. It can be as simple as a teddy bear or flowers. The most important aspect of a thank you is the gesture itself.

How To Commit An Addict

Alcohol and drug addiction is a dangerous vortex that takes hold of not only the addict, but everyone surrounding them. Loved ones are forced to sit back and watch as the addict’s life spirals to a point where the distinction between reality and abuse becomes blurred beyond distinction. For many people, it can be near impossible for friends and family members to commit a loved one voluntarily. Regardless of how this task is performed, committal rarely lasts more than a 72-hour period – leaving a heap of misunderstandings, frustration and rage in its wake.

1 – Understand that until the addict is actually ready to quit using drugs or alcohol, that you will be unable to help them. When it comes to addiction, the most effective weapon is empathy, compassion and a healthy dose of love.

2 – Educate yourself on the type of drug to which your loved one is addicted. Possessing an understanding of the effects this substance offers may provide you with the tools necessary to break through the addict’s wall.

3 – Research outreach programs that cater to friends and family members of addicted individuals. An array of organizations are available. Once again… By taking the time to educate yourself on the issue, you will stand a better chance of being able to help you loved one through their ordeal.

4 – Communicate your concerns to the addict. Allow them to understand that they are not alone in their suffering, and that help is being made available to them.

5 – Contact a Rehab Specialist today.

How To Squash Your Loved One’s Meth Addiction

Crystal Meth is an extremely dangerous, addictive and common narcotic throughout the U.S. The drug causes increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate and damage to blood vessels in the brain. A loved one suffering from a crystal meth addiction is never easy to stomach. With enough time, users can become delusional, paranoid and violent. In order to properly address the addiction, a great deal of love, care and organization is required.

1 – Educate yourself on the effects of crystal meth. Seek out information online and at your local library. Find an area support group to communicate your worry with others who have dealt with similar situations. Approaching the issue will not be easy, but by taking the time to arm yourself with knowledge, you will stand a better chance of making an impact.

2 – Sit your loved one down and discuss your concerns in a rational, calm and loving manner. Avoid blame and finger pointing, as these actions will only cause resentment and anger. Ask them if they are open to the idea of professional help to address the addiction.

3 – Seek out a qualified therapist with experience working with addicts. This individual will be able to help you and your family to cope with the behaviors of the addict. Your therapist will also be able to help address any feelings of guilt you may have regarding the addiction. If you are intent on helping your loved one, you must first help yourself.

4 – Plan an intervention. Professional intervention services will be able to guide you through the process, while keeping participants focused and engaged. During the intervention, each participant will be provided an opportunity to express their concern to the addict while encouraging them to seek help.

Seek help today...tomorrow isn't guaranteed. 

The Healing Process – Love After Addiction

Healing a relationship following addiction is no easy task. Difficulties will vary from couple to couple, alongside developed issues and the residual pain caused by them. Being involved in a relationship affected by addiction can be difficult to bounce back from, especially when maintaining a recovery. In this entry, we will offer tips to help you regain the trust lost.

1 – Communicate with your partner. Though it may seem cliché and redundant advice, it does not change its importance. Communication is key to ANY relationship – addiction or no. Expressing yourself alongside fears and troubles lets your partner know that you are being honest with them. As an addict, you likely know how the small things can snowball into something much bigger… Put a stop to them before they can escalate.

2 – Be honest. Keep in mind that your relationship is still fragile, and that any lie – no matter how “white” – holds the potential for irreparable damage. When attempting to heal a wounded relationship, it’s crucial that you take ownership for your infractions quickly. If your partner feels the need to check up on your whereabouts of behaviors, provide her with the ability to do so. Understand that your partner will likely require more than your word in order to trust you again.

3 – Listen! Providing your partner with an open forum to express their emotions without fear of anger or judgment will go a long way in aiding the repair process. Understand that your actions have had an affect on those who care about you most. Let them vent, scream and cry, while comforting them without argument or excuse. Nit picking can wait. If someone is willing to stand by throughout your recovery, they are owed the same attention and love they provide.