Intervention FAQs cover some of the most common questions that families often ask about an intervention, whether it is for drug, alcohol, or substance addiction.
Will an intervention make things worse?
Absolutely not. Doing nothing will make things worse. Many people wait until the individual hits rock bottom. What if that rock bottom is bodily dismemberment, fatalities, or life in prison?
How do I know if someone is using drugs and/or substance?
If you have suspicion due to symptoms that someone may be showing, then it is very likely that they are using. This may be true especially if your loved one is showing signs of depression, bizarre behavior, mood swings, lack of sleep, extended sleeping patterns, bags under the eyes, poor appearance and personal hygiene, paranoia, red dots around veins, empty bottles or containers, and loss of money. See Signs of Drug Use for more information.
What is the purpose of an intervention?
An intervention is an attempt to stop the progressive disease of addiction when every other attempt to help has failed in getting your loved one into treatment or out of denial. In addition, an intervention is designed to free families from the grips of addiction such that they may live their own life.
Do interventions really work?
Absolutely. Every intervention has some success for the addict and/or the family.
Does insurance pay for intervention?
Currently, most insurance companies do not cover interventions. Check with your insurance agent to confirm.
Should I wait until he/she hits rock bottom before I intervene?
Waiting until they hit a bottom could be too late. An intervention can possibly save the life of your loved one. Why wait until it is too late?
What if he/she says no to treatment?
At the point of mental exhaustion, when we have done everything we can think of to help them and they still refuse, we will have developed boundaries consequences and our self pledge that go into effect immediately. At this point the addicted individual is able to see what life is really like without enablement.
How many people should attend the intervention?
The more team members available, the more of an impact we can produce. In most cases, a successful intervention can be conducted with a team of 1-15 members.
What if he/she has young children? Will they be allowed to attend the intervention?
Children who are under the age of 11 would not be recommended to attend. However, that will be determined on a case by case basis and/or by the non-using parent of the child.