Is your loved one suffering from addiction? If so, the most important thing you’ll need to do is get them to admit it through a family intervention.
First things first: what is an intervention? It’s an organized attempt to have a serious conversation with a family member about their addiction. Most successful family interventions follow some form of the CRAFT model.
Still debating whether you should stage an intervention? Here are five telltale signs your loved one needs your help right away.
1. Destructive Behavior
People dealing with a substance use disorder often struggle to empathize with others. This is true even when it comes to people closest to them. As a result, they’ll engage in destructive behavior in front of their family and friends.
Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive disease. This means that destructive behavior will almost always get worse with time. The best way to put an end to it is to host an intervention for them as soon as possible.
2. Uncontrolled Substance Use
As a person’s addiction gets worse, their body adapts to the continuous presence of the drug. This will lead to an increase in their drug tolerance, which often results in uncontrolled substance use.
There are several signs that your loved one is going through this process. For instance, they may start using drugs first thing in the morning. They may also make a daily habit of getting a drink on the way home.
3. Deteriorating Health
In general, people with substance abuse issues try their best to hide it. After a while, though, this will become impossible. Their addiction will cause them to go through many adverse mental and physical health effects.
Is your loved one looking sicker or more pale than usual? Are they easier to anger or tend to withdraw at the slightest hint of conflict? These and other behaviors may require staging an invitational intervention.
4. Lying and Manipulating
Another common sign your loved one is going through something is hiding the truth from you. As they prefer to do drugs or drink in privacy, they’ll try to manipulate you or lie to you about their whereabouts.
On one hand, addiction does create a dependence that causes irrational behavior. That said, your loved one still knows right from wrong. If they keep lying to you, you’ll need to convince them they need help.
5. Refusal of Help
Have you already tried to convince your loved one to treat their addiction with no success? If so, they’re likely going through some form of adversity that prevents them from accepting your help.
In these situations, it’s essential to remind them of their support system. Host an intervention where each family member voices their concerns. This will appeal to their emotions and get them to understand their situation.
Staging a Family Intervention
If you notice any of the above signs, don’t ignore them. The earlier your loved one accepts they need treatment, the easier it will be for them. A family intervention may be the motivation they need to get better.
Looking to stage an intervention for your loved one? Our coaches at HOPE will help you create a plan to address your loved one’s specific needs. If you live in Boise or Newport Beach, schedule a session with us here.
