Helping a loved one come to terms with the idea that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol is a pivotal step in the treatment and recovery process. While individuals may want the best for their loved ones, they may not always know what is best or how to approach the situation appropriately. Helping loved ones acknowledge their problem can be the most challenging part. 

The Importance of Effective Communication

Untrained individuals might be aware that substance abuse is negatively affecting their loved one’s life, and want them to stop using. Their desperation to help their loved ones can often lead them to unintentionally make the situation worse. Family members are too emotionally involved, and sometimes, their feelings can be ineffectively expressed.

A support system is essential to a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle for any ordinary individual. A support system should be built with individuals who people can trust not only to acknowledge their achievements but also to help them see their wrongs.

When dealing with a subject such as addiction, it is essential for individuals to be kind and offer an understanding perspective on their loved one’s issues. A sound support system does not turn the other way when a loved one is in need. While individuals should not accept or encourage their addiction, they should let their loved ones know that while they do not accept their behavior, they still accept them. 

Education About Addiction

Individuals being able to educate themselves on addiction is also an important step to take before communicating with their loved ones. The more knowledge they have about addiction, the better prepared they will be. There is a lot of stigma surrounding addiction, including false information that is ineffective for someone’s recovery. 

Addiction is not a moral issue or a choice. Addiction is a complicated disease that requires professional attention. When family members and other loved ones can recognize addiction as a disease, they can better support their loved ones with compassion and understanding.

Should I Conduct an Intervention on My Own?

While it is up to an individual’s support system to be aware of their mental health status, when it comes to addiction, it may not be practical to deal with the issue alone. Families are too emotionally involved with their loved ones to be able to offer the proper care they need. 

While families may think that a heart-to-heart conversation with their loved ones can elicit the change they need, individuals with addiction often require much more. Acknowledging the issue can be the first step toward recovery, but accepting help is a conversation that may require professional guidance. 

Consulting an Addiction Professional 

Consulting a licensed addiction professional can help families construct an effective intervention that can help facilitate their loved one’s entry into recovery. A professional intervention should be a carefully planned process led by a professional and can be made up of a team consisting of family and close friends. 

An intervention should consist of the following steps and aspects:

• Provide specific examples of destructive behaviors, including the impact on a loved one with the addiction and family and friends 
• Offer a prearranged treatment plan with clear steps, goals, and guidelines
• Spell out what each person will do if a loved one refuses to accept treatment

An intervention specialist will also create a plan to ensure loved ones know they have the support they need to focus on getting treatment and recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Establishing this kind of solid support with the individual can eliminate the daunting stress of feeling like a burden to the family.

Why Professional Help Is Crucial  

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), “Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.” Abuse-related drugs cause structural and functional changes in the brain that last for a long time, even after use has stopped. This explains why many individuals relapse even after remaining abstinent for long periods. 

Another reason professional help is because many people struggling with addiction also struggle with other mental health disorders. In order to effectively treat their addiction issues, other mental health disorders must also be assessed and treated. 

Seeking professional help can be an intimidating experience as it can be challenging to comprehend the extent of a loved one’s addiction. Professional interventionists, such as those at A New Hope Recovery Services, can provide an initial phone consultation where a licensed professional can evaluate the situation. They can determine whether an intervention is suitable for a loved one. Addiction is a disease that takes a team effort to overcome.

With A New Hope Recovery Services’ expert services, it is rare for interventions to fail. We specialize in family interventions because our licensed professionals understand that addiction is a family disease – affecting everyone, not just the person using substances. Due to our evidence-based motivational techniques and family systems approach, A New Hope Recovery’s interventions have a success rate of over 90%. Finding the help you need is a crucial step toward an effective recovery. The best way to help a loved one dealing with addiction is by contacting a professional that can guide you and your loved one in the right direction. While you may want to provide your loved ones with the help they need on your own, addiction recovery is an extensive process that requires professional help. For more information on professional interventions provided by A New Hope Recovery, call (407) 501-8490.