What is a drug intervention?
Living on the streets is a common myth about drug and alcohol abusers. In fact, many problem drinkers and abusers of substances are functional. However, it's a difficult task in hiding the abuse.
Why use a drug intervention?
It was once believed that an individual struggling with addiction or resisting changing unhealthy behaviors had to sincerely want help to get help. The individual had to "hit bottom" before being motivated to change. This, of course, is not always true.No person can easily survive without support from someone close to him/her. Interventions are based on this fact. A person will continue to live his/her life of active addiction or an unhealthy behavior when friends and family offer inappropriate support. This type of support typically allows the addiction or behavior to continue. In most cases, family and friends feel that they are protecting the individual, but in fact, they are creating an unhealthy support system for the person.
The intervention process addresses the unhealthy support system that allows the addiction to progress. Addiction breeds secrecy and isolation, both for the individual and for those who care about him/her. The intervention process brings together family, friends and other concerned persons and creates a support network for each member. The support network in turn engages and empowers the individual to grow and change in a positive way.
