Intervention
Drug addiction and alcoholism are regarded as a condition by medical science. Research conducted over the years has helped doctors to understand the chemical changes that occur in the brain as a result of chronic drug abuse or drinking. It has been shown that the brain actually “rewires” itself as a result of drug abuse by forming new connections and strengthening existing ones. The behaviour of the addict or alcoholic will change as a result of the changes within the brain.
Seeing alcoholism and addiction as a condition means that the stigma attached to these conditions is removed. The blame for addictive or alcoholic behaviour can be placed on the condition and not the person. Thus it removes the element of judgment and allows for the possibility of treatment.
It’s important for you as a family member or colleague to know that you are not responsible for their condition. You can’t make an addict/alcoholic drink or drug. Addicts and alcoholics may be very manipulative in trying to blame their family or friends for their behaviour. In reality their behaviour is a result of their condition.
There are two physical symptoms of drug addiction and alcoholism that are related to changes in the body and brain. These are the presence of withdrawal symptoms and tolerance.
Withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant (muscle cramps, cold sweats, nausea) or outright dangerous (convulsions, hallucinations). They occur as a result of the body’s physical dependence on the drug which has developed as a result of chronic abuse. Addicts and alcoholics may have to use their substance just to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Other symptoms of the condition focus on how the addict or alcoholic will use their substance no matter what problems it creates in their life. Job loss, divorce, financial ruin, and legal troubles are all potential consequences of drug addiction and alcoholism. The addict or alcoholic will continue to use despite inflicting great harm on themselves and their family. The second symptom is generally the one that keeps people in addiction. It is the emotional tolerance to the substance that prevents people from maintaining keeping their addiction in remission.
Drug addiction and alcoholism are a progressive condition. This means that they get progressively worse over time if left untreated.
As a concerned family member you’re probably able to describe how your loved one’s problem is getting worse. There is currently no complete cure for drug addiction or alcoholism (or any form of addiction). Research has shown that if a person who has been addicted to a substance (or behaviour), they’re unable to ever regain control of their usage or behavioural addiction. In other words, if an alcoholic stops drinking for a few years and then tries to have just a few social drinks they are most likely going to return to full blown alcoholism.
Don’t lose hope. Alcoholism and drug addiction can be treated (and be put into remission) and the patient can live a fulfilled and happy life.
So to sum up - the problem is that the addict or alcoholic has a condition that will get worse and worse unless they stop (unless they change their behaviour and implement lifestyle changes that will keep their addiction in remission).
The need for an intervention and help has always existed and always will.
Addicts and alcoholics are often in deep denial of their problem and are the last to admit that they need help.
An intervention and or treatment program is a process of helping a person change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In the context of drug addiction or alcoholism an intervention is a meeting of people who approach a person in the grip of addiction to alcohol, other drugs or behavioural addiction with the aim of helping them see the nature and severity of their problem and offering a practical way to enter treatment.
The meeting is planned in advance so that the concerned friends and family are well prepared.
The intervention itself is held in a respectful manner that makes it clear exactly what behaviours are the problem.
The purpose of a meeting is therefore twofold – firstly to bring attention to destructive behaviour and secondly to offer an opportunity for the addict or alcoholic to accept help.
Ideally they will agree to enter treatment immediately. We suggest having the relevant documentation signed and measures in place for them to begin with their treatment as soon as they agree. Delays in admitting the person to treatment could result in them changing their mind.
Ultimately the objective of the process is to end the suffering of the addict/alcoholic and the people around them who have been affected by their behaviour.
Call us on 011 024 3116 to provide you with our services.