4 Signs That Your Loved One Needs an Intervention
An intervention is a focused meeting with the goal of getting help for someone struggling with addiction. The intention of an intervention is to show them the care and concern their friends and family have for them and that they can have all the support they need and deserve while they get help. When is it time for an intervention? The sooner the better for anyone dealing with addiction. With early intervention, substance abuse can often be treated more easily.
Early Signs of Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Looking for the signs of drug or alcohol addiction can help with early intervention. The earlier the problem is noticed, the faster someone can start getting the help and support they need. Early intervention can also reduce the mental and physical toll that addiction can take, and may protect the person from developing risky behaviors.
Denial
Substance abuse denial is common. Someone who is battling addiction generally doesn’t want to admit that they have a problem. They may tell their loved ones that it is under control or that they don’t engage with substances anymore. Often, they’ll deny that there’s a problem to themselves, as well, instead of being open and honest. Denial of abuse and refusal of treatment is one of the major factors indicating a possible need for intervention services.
Risky Behaviors
Risky behaviors in substance abuse are common. These can include driving after using substances, have multiple sexual partners, skipping work, overspending, and many other issues that can quickly become dangerous. These behaviors can create long-term problems. Interventions can reduce or eliminate these behaviors quickly before they do damage to a person’s future goals and dreams.
Lying
Addiction and lying often go hand-in-hand. Whereabouts are a common subject to lie about, and finding ways to secretly obtain their substance of choice is common, as well. In other words, someone battling addiction may say they are going out to the grocery store or to look for a job. Instead, they may go meet with someone who can provide them with the substance.
Physical and Mental Health Changes
Addiction can cause changes in both physical and mental health. Many substances cause damage to the liver, heart, and kidneys, and can create long-term health problems over time. Depression and anxiety are also common in those who abuse substances, as are manic episodes, hallucinations and other mental health struggles. Mental health issues can lead to behaviors which cause physical harm, further compounding the problem.
When is It Time for an Intervention?
The time for an intervention is as soon as you realize your friend or loved one has a problem. Addiction causes stress for everyone involved, and working with an outside source to get intervention help can benefit the situation. Talking with a person who is struggling with addiction is important but can be difficult due to denial and lying. With the help of a professional interventionist, it will be easier to achieve the goals you’re looking for out of an intervention.
Thrive Recovery’s Intervention Services
Intervention services can make all the difference when trying to help a loved one who’s battling addiction. No matter what substance they’re addicted to or how long addiction has been a problem, there are ways to get help and support. Thrive offers intervention services through ARISE, which provides both interventions and comprehensive care. Contact Thrive today, and take the first step toward getting your loved one the intervention and help they need to break free from addiction.