Everyday in the U.S. 136 people die from drug and alcohol abuse, and data from both government and private sources indicate that these numbers are almost 35% greater than reported 2 years ago. What this data doesn't disclose is the true impact that these deaths have on the family and loved ones of those who have died from the ugly insidious disease of drug addiction and alcoholism. While there has been a overwhelming attempt by the government and private agencies to step in with financial aid and policy in the form of treatment, support, and awareness programs for those affected by drug and alcohol abuse there is still much to be done.
The lives of everyone who comes in contact with an alcoholic or drug addict are impacted: family, friends, and co-workers are directly affected while a spillover effect further touches those outside direct contact of the addicted. Many never seek the help of support groups out of shame, fear, denial, and other reasons while the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction continue to slowly eat away the lives of all they touch.
Treatment from both 12 step groups and qualified professionals have shown significant success once the drug addicted and alcoholic become honest and accept their disease and seek out help, but until there is acceptance and a cry for help from the alcoholic or drug addict there little hope for recovery.
Accessibility to treatment and services for those affected by the addiction of drugs and alcohol has become easier in recent years and many who could not afford or find help now can. Insurance providers have become equally sensitive to the impact of drugs and alcohol and now have implemented coverage and resource for those covered under their insurance plans.
In the Southern California area, many treatment providers have made a shift in their approach to treatment by expanding upon the more traditional methods to include one on one, family based, and long term after care in a combination of 12 step meetings with group and private counseling. But before treatment can begin in most cases, intervention is required to reach the drug addict or alcoholic in a non-threatening environment.
What Is An Intervention?
An intervention is a planned attempt by family members and friends to help a chemically dependent person get help. Interventions have a high success rate when done under the guidance and supervision of a trained counselor and with the help of family and friends closest to the addicted person. Even when drugs or alcohol appear to have taken over one's life, it is still very powerful (and necessary) to be confronted with one's own behavior and the effects it has had on those people closest to one.
The role of family and friends in intervention is vital. There is strength in numbers when family and friends confront the abuser as a group. Yet even though they are sick and tired of trying to control their loved one's behavior, those closest to the addict tend to protect him or her from the consequences of drinking or using. Stopping such "rescue missions" is an essential part of intervention. The addict needs to fully experience the harmful effects of addiction. Getting into treatment, getting sober, and receiving appropriate psychiatric care and medication can greatly reduce symptom severity, thus helping the dually-diagnosed addict feel better and think more clearly. With such progress, he stands a much better chance of maintaining his substance abuse recovery and coping with psychological disorders.
The Good News
When the alcoholic and drug addict finally hit bottom and enter into a program of treatment, the viscous cycle of abuse has been stopped. With support from family and friends, the healing process of the addict/alcoholic can be applied in the form of 12 step meetings, and therapy. Many who were once hopeless find that through guidance and counseling they now have a life of meaning and usefulness. If you are concerned about a loved one who is abusing alcohol or drugs, call the Step-Up Recovery Team now 714-771-4522. Or visit their website at http://www.stepuprecovery.com
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