Addiction Intervention in Columbia, SC (877) 804-1531
Addiction can completely alter a person's way of thinking and behaving. Because of this, it can be difficult to get a person who needs treatment into a rehabilitation center. Many addicts are unable to face their feelings of shame, guilt, and sadness in order to get the help that they need. In these cases, staging an intervention is recommended.
Learn about supporting an addicted person and how you can get a loved one into treatment when you call Drug Rehab Columbia SC at (877) 804-1531.
The Purpose of Intervention
Addiction treatment does not have to be voluntary to be effective, and many people who are pressured to accept treatment in drug rehab find that after a period without the drug they want to continue and make a full recovery. In cases where the addicted person is suicidal, action from friends and family can save their life.
Staging an intervention confronts the loved one, friend or colleague with the fact that their addiction is affecting those around them, and this counters the denial that is part of almost every addiction. A professional addiction specialist can help arrange a formal or informal intervention. It important to involve a professional if the person is suicidal, tends to become violent, or has a history of mental illness.
The team usually consists of five or six people who are affected by the addiction, and whom the person respects and is close to. All the members must realize that this is only the first step of recovery, and they will need to be there for the person for the long term.
An important part of the process is to put forward a well-researched treatment plan the person can adopt immediately. Just saying they have a problem is unlikely to succeed. The treatment plan will often include a period as an inpatient in drug rehab followed by outpatient counseling and support.
Intervention also includes presenting the person with the consequences they will face if they refuse to cooperate with the addiction treatment. One of the major consequences must be that the family and loved ones will stop enabling the person to continue with their addiction.
In most cases the final decision to follow the proposed treatment plan in drug rehab will be made by the addicted person.
Supporting an Addict Following Rehab
It is highly important for addicts to have a strong support system before, during, and after drug or alcohol treatment. This can be an emotionally trying time for everyone involved, especially close friends and family. Once a person has agreed to enter a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, there are a number of steps families can take to support them. This usually starts with meeting with an addiction therapist who specializes in treating families. Family and friends will learn:
- How to deal with feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness towards themselves.
- How to avoid enabling an addiction.
- How to communicate more effectively and in a positive manner.
- How to deal with feelings of anger, resentment, and dependence towards the addict.
- How to find group meetings related to family healing within addiction (e.g., Al-Anon).
- How to recognize signs and symptoms of a relapse to prevent it from occurring.
Helping a person you love through an addiction can be emotional, but it can also be the start of a new life free of substance abuse. To learn more about treatment options, contact drug rehab Columbia SC today at (877) 804-1531.