Do I Need to Hold an Intervention for My Loved One?

Written by SolutionPoint Behavioral Health

It isn’t always easy to discern when a loved one’s substance abuse crosses the line into dangerous or potentially deadly territory. And it can be even tougher to make the decision whether or not staging an intervention is necessary in order to get them into detox or residential treatment for addiction.

Unfortunately, not everyone struggling with addiction reaches a clear-cut rock bottom or point-of-no-return moment that makes it obvious to themselves and others they are in desperate need of help.

There are, however, some red flags to watch for and questions to ask when figuring out if it’s time to plan an intervention to get them into drug or alcohol detox.

One of the biggest signs your loved one could need help is if their behavior has changed. Are they missing appointments or work? Has their schedule become more and more erratic? Isolation is also common among drug and alcohol addicts as they grapple with shame and other devastating mental health aspects of the disease. Social events and other functions become increasingly difficult for them to enjoy.

Regular substance abusers also build up tolerances and require more and more to achieve the same high as before. They may be consuming more drinks with meals, or perhaps they seem to be constantly needing to refill their prescription drugs.

Drugs aren’t cheap and a full-blown problem can lead to financial strain. Is someone you know always borrowing money but unable to pay it back? Are they selling their possessions or stealing from those around them in order to afford their next fix?

Changes in temperament could be another sign a person is no longer able to keep up with their addiction. Explosive rage or other emotional outbursts, especially when questioned about their use or behavior, are common symptoms of drug addiction.

Substance abuse may take a terrible toll on physical appearance since scoring and consuming drugs or alcohol often takes center stage in a user’s mind. Is your loved one no longer taking care of the way they look? Do they no longer seem concerned about their personal hygiene?

Despite the signs of a problem, many high-functioning alcoholics or addicts may be resistant to enter detox or addiction treatment, so preparation for the confrontation is necessary.

When considering if you may need to stage an intervention for someone you care about, remember you don’t have to struggle through the process alone. Contact the staff at SolutionPoint Behavioral Health to discuss how to best handle the potentially life-saving decision.