12 Feb Intervention Services in Alberta
How do you know when it is time to seek the help of a professional interventionist in Alberta?
If you know someone who is engaging in alcohol or drug abuse and you think they have become addicted, there will be certain behavioural signs that indicate it’s time to seek help.
These signs include:
- Frequent angry or defensive behaviour
- Secretive behaviour and an increase in lying
- An increase in trouble at work
- Using drugs or alcohol habitually
- Changes in their personality
- Borrowing money and not in control of their finances
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
However, it should be noted that these symptoms are just a rough guide. Not everyone will display all of these symptoms. And unfortunately, many people addicted to substance abuse become adept at hiding their addiction.
When someone is addicted to substance abuse, whether it is drugs or alcohol, you may think that they need to hit rock bottom before they begin to understand the full impact of their problem. Unfortunately, this belief is based on outdated information. We now know that the earlier the intervention, the less damage is caused, and this can make complete recovery easier and reduces the risk of relapse.
The Stages of Intervention Services
As soon as you find out someone is addicted to substance abuse, you should engage the help of an intervention services. Through these services, the patient begins to understand that treatment is the only option. It is also through the intervention services that the family becomes aware of enabling behavior and understands how to proceed without facilitating the substance abuse or withdrawing support.
Intervention services take place in a series of stages:
- The first stage is to inform the family of the process and the type of treatments available
- The second stage determines the date and location of the intervention
- The third stage is a pre-intervention education and information session, where the family and friends are coached on how to engage and prepare for possible problems
- The fourth stage is the pre-meeting briefing and the setting of rules, and the intervention process
- The fifth stage includes the transportation to the treatment center. It also includes follow up support and contact with the family and treatment center
- The sixth stage includes referral services and information on support systems available and post-treatment planning once the patient has finished the initial course of treatment
The Benefits of Intervention Services
It’s almost impossible to help someone you love kick their addiction to substance abuse without help. The process is mentally and emotionally exhausting, and most likely, you have other problems to deal with. You may have children, or a busy work schedule. You may be dealing with health issues or financial concerns. Seeking help does not mean you are weak or that you can’t take care of your own family. If your loved one was suffering from cancer or they had broken a leg, you would seek the help of a doctor who has expertise in this field.
Substance abuse is a disease and it should be treated as such, and that means seeking help from the experts who know how to handle this disease.
Intervention services provide many benefits to help you through this process, including:
- Helping family and friends understand how to deal with addiction
- Keeping the channels of communication open
- Exposing the severity of the issue and removing the secrecy
- Introducing the family to available resources and support groups
- Destroying the enabling system
- Educating everyone about addiction and the recovery process
There are many resources for drug and alcohol addiction in Alberta, and finding the right treatment program for your loved one will be easier if you engage the help of an interventionist.
Remember, we are here to help you, so reach out and help your loved one back on the road to recovery.