Do Interventions Actually Work?

If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve heard of interventions but may not have actually participated in one yourself. But when someone you love and care about is letting substance abuse take over their life, an intervention can start feeling like the right move. 

But do interventions actually work? 

The answer is not so simple as “yes” or “no”, but the short answer is “they can”. In fact, studies have found that family member involvement in general increases addiction recovery success rates. 

There are actually a lot of different factors that go into how effective an intervention is, and you will need to take many things into consideration. But above all, it’s important to plan the intervention carefully and not just throw it together. When you’re ready, we invite you to get in touch with our addiction specialists at Footprints of Serenity to start planning an intervention for your loved one. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about how to make an intervention as effective as possible.

Pick the Right Time and Place

Though it can often feel like there’s never an ideal moment for an intervention, that doesn’t mean you can’t be tactful about when you do it. Naturally, you’re going to want to pick a time that works for everyone who will be involved (close friends and family members who have been affected by your loved one’s substance abuse). That said, your priority should be choosing a time when your loved one is least likely to be under the influence, as substance abuse can increase aggression and irrational thinking. It should also be held in a familiar place where they can be comfortable and receptive. Our intervention specialists can work with you more closely to find a good time and place. 

Speak With Love

You are having the intervention because you care about the addicted person. While you may be angry with them for the way they have let their substance abuse affect daily life, the intervention is not the time for yelling or raised voices (getting angry risks only making them mad and non-receptive to help). Your loved one needs to know that you only want what is best for them, and you don’t like watching them destroy their life and relationships.

Even when talking about times that they hurt you the most, it is important to stay calm and avoid accusing tones. With this in mind, consider having everyone write down beforehand what they want to say to your loved one. 

Have an Addiction Treatment Plan in Place

The intervention will not work if you don’t show your loved one that they have the actual power to change. At Footprints of Serenity, we will work with you to find real addiction treatment options that your loved one is eligible for. These options must be presented to your loved one during the intervention so they know that, A) you are completely serious about them getting treatment, and B) the opportunity to change their life has arrived. Some people even choose a treatment program that their loved one can start immediately upon the intervention’s conclusion, so they won’t have the opportunity to run or change their mind later on. 

What If My Loved One Refuses Treatment?

Whether or not an intervention “works” is measured by whether or not the addicted person chooses to get help / enter an addiction treatment program. It’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, your loved one is their own person and is responsible for their own decisions. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, the addicted person still refuses help. 

If your loved one does refuse to get help or even insists they do not actually have a substance abuse problem, then it is crucial to show them how serious you are. Do so by following through on what you said would happen if they chose to continue down the path of addiction. If you said you would stop answering their calls or giving them rides, go ahead and stop. If you said you would cut them off either financially or emotionally (or both), then you must do exactly that. Above all, do whatever you can to cut off any behavior on your part that may have enabled them. Everyone who participates in the intervention must agree ahead of time to follow through on their promised actions as well.

It’s also important to not give up hope. Once they see how serious the intervention was (by everyone following through on their words), only then will there be a chance of them coming around and seeking help. 

Getting Started

At Footprints of Serenity, we provide both intervention services and addiction treatment program facilitation. Because we believe that people from all walks of life have the capacity to beat addiction and become well again, we work with substance abuse treatment providers across the nation to find the best fit for your loved one and your family. Don’t wait to get help — contact us today to start working towards a brighter, healthier future.

 

How To Pack For Rehab

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that of over 22.5 million people who suffer from addiction, less than 20 percent get treatment.

So while going to rehab for addiction treatment can be scary, it’s important to keep your eye on your long-term goal — reaching sobriety and learning to live without drug abuse. This is a new beginning, and you’re not allowing yourself to just become another statistic. In order to get the most out of your experience, it’s important to know what to expect and pack appropriately.

Now, all treatment programs have their own specific set of rules and lists of items you are permitted to bring, so it is important to reach out to yours before going. That said, this is a general packing guide you can follow:

Bring the Essentials

While many rehab facilities are indeed luxurious and designed to help you relax, it’s important to remember that you are not at a spa retreat. You’re there to focus on detox and addiction recovery, and any personal items that do not help facilitate that can get in the way. Because of this, most treatment centers prohibit many personal items that are not deemed essential to your wellbeing or everyday care.

Essential items are general categorized as the following:

  • Toiletries – These include essential bathroom and personal care products like  toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, body soap, basic makeup, etc. All items must be alcohol-free.
  • Comfortable clothing – You’re not going to rehab to dress to impress. Wear whatever will help you stay calm, relaxed, and receptive to treatment.
  • Sunscreen / sunblock – You may be outside for longer periods of time than you realize, and many rehab programs offer plenty of time in the sun.
  • Cozy pajamas – It seems like a no-brainer, but be sure to pack for comfort at all times, not just during the day!
  • Extra underwear – Especially if you are going through detox, you may sweat more than usual and will want to change more frequently to stay comfortable.
  • Some cash and/or a debit card – You may have opportunities to purchase snacks or make other small purchases. 

Other Items You May Want to Bring

There may be some items considered “essential” to rehab that you may not consider in everyday life. During most programs, you will spend time both inside and outside, and you will also have opportunities to exercise and focus on health. It’s also perfectly normal to want to bring along at least some small items for comfort and inspiration. 

With these things in mind, other items you may want to bring include:

  • A workout outfit and sneakers / tennis shoes – Entering addiction recovery is the perfect time to start practicing overall health. Many rehab centers offer fitness classes or have a gym on-premise for your wellbeing.
  • Sandals / flip flops – Not only may these options be more comfortable for you, but you may also be taking shoes on and off more frequently. 
  • A modest swimsuit – For most rehab facilities, this means swim trunks for men and a one-piece for women. 
  • Bathrobe and slippers – Just another way to keep comfortable!
  • A journal – Some addiction treatment centers will give you a journal to write in, but either way, it’s a good thing to bring. Chronicling your progress and exploring your thoughts will help keep you on track. 
  • A small photo or encouraging letters from family and friends – Contact the facility first to ask what is and isn’t permitted in this area, but a reminder from home that you are loved and cared about is usually acceptable.

Things to Avoid Bringing

Again, all facilities have their own sets of rules. However, you will generally want to avoid bringing the following items. Not only can these get in the way of your treatment (and that of others), but you may also not have an opportunity to use them in the first place:

  • Entertainment devices – Most electronics are prohibited in the first place, so don’t bring any entertainment devices that require charging and/or internet connection. Many rehab facilities even require you to leave items like phones and tablets at the front desk when you check in to prevent any distraction during treatment.
  • Aerosols, alcohol or chemicals – Make sure none of your toiletries should contain these items as they may invoke drug abuse urges. 
  • Opened vitamins or supplements – Many places will allow you to bring these in for health reasons, but only if they are unopened. If you have any medication you need to take, disclose it upfront while you’re checking in.
  • Weapons – Even if you are legally carrying the weapon, it will not be permitted inside for your safety and that of others.
  • Candles or incense products – This is usually for safety reasons, but other people in the program may also be irritated by these scents.

 

Still Looking for an Addiction Treatment Program?

It’s not too late to confront your drug abuse and go to rehab. At Footprints of Serenity, we help individuals from all walks of life find the addiction treatment program that works for them. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your options and what to expect in rehab.