22 Sep Alcohol Intervention Alberta
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a chronic diagnosis that is characterized by an inability to control or eliminate drinking despite the negative consequences. Alcohol addiction can lead to serious physical, emotional, and social implications on not only the individual, but their loved ones as well.
Signs and Symptoms Alcohol Addiction Alberta
- Cravings: An irresistible urge to drink
- Tolerance: The need to drink more to achieve the effect that was once achieved with less consumption.
- Withdrawal: When trying to reduce alcohol intake the experiences of physical and psychological symptoms surface.
- Avoiding Responsibilities: Drinking takes priority over any other work, school, or home responsibilities.
- Social Isolation: Drinking continues, despite the problems that have been created because of it in relationships and social scenarios.
- Less Participation in Activities: Neglecting or reducing social, occupational, or recreational activities because of the alcohol abuse.
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Get Sober: Repeatedly unable succeed with the attempt to quit or control the abuse of alcohol.
Causes
Alcohol addiction can be influenced and contributed to from a combination of factors including environmental, genetic, and various psychological reasons. A family history of addiction, exposure to heavy drinking, trauma, stress, and mental health issues can play a role in alcohol abuse.
Alcohol addiction is a serious and potentially fatal condition, that is treatable with the right intervention and rehabilitation. It is not too late to get the help you need to get you on the road to recovery, to gain a healthier, alcohol-free life.
What is an Intervention? Alberta
An intervention is a well-thought-out and structured plan, which can be executed by the loved ones of the person in need of the intervention. An intervention is at its best when planned in coordination with an intervention specialist (interventionist). During an intervention loved one’s come together as a unit to inform your loved one about how their addiction affects everyone around them, and guide them with the hopes of accepting treatment.
The intervention:
- Shares specific scenarios of the addicted individual’s behaviour where it has affected those around them.
- Lays out a well-thought-out, previously planned treatment plan, which clearly states the steps, goals, and guidelines.
- Explains what each person present at the intervention will do if treatment is not accepted by the individual being intervened on.
Alcohol Intervention in Alberta
An alcohol intervention is a structured and planned road map to help someone who is struggling with alcohol addiction and abuse. The goal of an intervention is for the alcohol abuser to recognize they have a problem and to accept treatment offered to them. Interventions are generally organized by family members, friends, and loved ones who are concerned for the well-being of the alcohol user.
Important steps involved to set up the road to a successful alcohol intervention includes:
Preparation
- The first step of an intervention is to gather all your loved ones affected by the individual’s alcohol use. These people often comprise close family and friends, and an intervention specialist.
- In the preparation phase this group should also gather the relevant information about their loved ones’ alcohol abuse, including information such as the severity of the problem, any past attempts at treatment, and the potential consequences of continued alcohol use and abuse.
Education
- Those involved in the intervention should educate themselves about alcohol addiction, treatment options, and other available resources to help prepare them for the intervention.
Planning
- After learning about your loved one’s alcohol addiction, a plan should be put in place, outlining the specific details involved in the intervention. These details include, who will be present, what will be said, and where and when the intervention will take place.
Boundaries
- Those who are involved in the intervention should prepare and be ready to set clear and firm boundaries and consequences for their loved one if they do not agree to seek the treatment they desperately need. These consequences need to be communicated during the intervention to emphasize the seriousness of their alcohol addiction.
The Intervention
- The intervention is a carefully structured meeting where the individual is confronted about their alcohol abuse in a non-confrontational manner, and from a place of love.
- Each person present will take turns sharing their concerns and show support for their loved one through their recovery journey if they choose to accept it.
- Everyone present will share specific scenarios where the person’s alcohol abuse has affected their lives and relationships.
- After everyone has shared, a treatment plan will be presented and offered for immediate access to treatment.
Treatment Options
- The intervention should include a clear, precise, well-researched treatment plan. This can involve options including detoxification, in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation options, counselling, and support groups.
- Everyone should be prepared to assist the individual in accessing treatment immediately because delaying offers room for a change of mind, which can be detrimental.
Reinforcing Support
- After the intervention, everyone should continue to provide emotional support and encouragement for their loved one. It is important to remain consistent with patience and understanding because recovery from addiction can be a challenging and ongoing process. The ultimate goal is long-term recovery, and support is vital in achieving that.
Before the execution of an intervention, there are some vital steps to be taken first. Before anything can happen you must first make a plan. Consulting with an intervention specialist will help you cover all aspects of an intervention and prepare you for what you can expect, and ensure that the intervention will be effective. An intervention is a highly emotional setting where unpredictable reactions and other emotions can occur, likely stemming from a feeling of betrayal felt by the loved one abusing alcohol.
After a plan has been set in motion everyone who will be present at the intervention must be on the same page before the intervention. Everyone should know the extent of the severity of alcohol abuse, so everyone can stand together to help their loved one. This is hard to do if not everyone knows the extent of the problem. This group will likely be comprised of family members, close friends, and an intervention specialist.
Contingency planning. For the loved ones who are organizing this intervention, though the goal is for your loved one to seek treatment, there is always the chance that they are not willing to admit they have a problem and seek treatment. This is why we have contingency planning; should they refuse the help, it is important to have a plan as to how you will take action moving forward (An example of this could be setting boundaries and asking them to move out).
When the intervention is taking place, it can be a highly stressful and anxiety-consuming event for everyone involved. This is why it could be beneficial for everyone to write notes beforehand about what they want to say to the addicted individual. These notes could be about incidents where your loved one’s addiction caused problems in your relationship, and how it changed your relationship. The goal of the intervention is for your loved one to be willing to get treatment and the ultimate goal is long-term recovery. The first step is for the one addicted to admit they have a problem and get treatment. So this is the prime time to tell them exactly how you feel and how their addiction has affected your relationship with them. They need to hear it before they can begin to understand it.
After these steps have been taken it is time to hold the intervention. It is important not to inform your loved one of the reason that you are asking them to meet at the location the intervention is being held at. We want the best route to success, which is for the addicted to accept getting treatment, and this can’t happen if they do not show up to the intervention itself. Each of the loved ones present will take turns sharing what they want to say with guidance from the interventionist. Your loved one will be given the option to accept the plea to get help and go to treatment. If they refuse to get treatment, each member present will share their contingency plan, and set their boundaries on the spot if they refuse.
If an intervention is not planned properly and given time to put the organization in, it can make the situation worse, where your loved one may become more opposed to treatment.
Steps to Intervention Success in Alberta
- Plan the intervention and consult an intervention specialist. Holding an intervention on the spur of the moment can result in a worsened situation where the addicted individual feels attacked, and will be even more resistant to treatment if not approached in a well-thought-out way.
- Get on the same page. Everyone who will be present at the intervention should be on the same page, and plan who will say what when, and so everyone has a big picture of the extent of the addiction, and the strain it has caused on relationships.
- Contingency planning and writing notes for what you would like to say. If your loved one refuses to get treatment after the intervention everyone present needs to have a plan for the boundaries they will set, and what they will do if they do not get treatment (ex. You can’t live here If you do not get treatment).
- Practice the intervention before the real thing. An intervention is a highly stressful situation, and it can be worrisome that it will not be effective for the addict. To mitigate the worries of the execution it can help to do a practice run before the real thing, and practice how you will react to possible aggressions of the addicted individual.
- Being prepared for your loved one’s reactions. This can help you prepare for the worst-case scenario and how you will react if faced with this uncertainty.
A successful intervention can be seen as your loved one accepting the fact that they need help and accepting treatment, ultimately headed in the right direction for a life of long-term recovery.
If you are looking to plan an alcohol intervention for your loved one in Alberta, contact Andy Bhatti Interventions and Addiction Services. Our intervention services save lives.
Call us today and let us help you set up a treatment plan that has succeeded as the long-term goal, for someone you care for.
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An intervention is not about how to control the alcohol user; it is about how to let go of believing you can. Our professional addiction therapists and interventionists work closely with families to reach a successful intervention. Our interventionists work all over North Vancouver.
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