When is the Time to Choose an Intervention?

His father says: “Your mother tells me that you are taking drugs.” “I want you to stop that right now.” “I want you to get a steady job and build a good life for yourself.” “You’ll get into trouble, get arrested and land in jail.” His son listens and in the deepest place inside him knows that his father is right. But he can’t stop. He has tried to but always goes back and does it again. If you think this conversation is only for the neighbors next door, try telling that to more than 24 million drug and alcohol addicted persons across the country.

Brain Chemistry is Altered by Drug Use

What his father doesn’t understand is that his son’s brain has been altered by the drugs. Unlike his father, he can’t simply use his willpower and stop his drug habit. Taking drugs alters the chemistry in the brain. It works on the part of the brain that creates a “craving” for a drug substance that cannot be turned off by willpower alone. He needs help. He needs an intervention NOW! The time for an intervention is always NOW! The earlier you can get treatment, the better. Waiting will only let the person’s habit become stronger. The recovery process will take longer and may involve several rehabilitations before the habit is brought under control. There is no way of telling in advance how long or how often drug intervention will take. It is an individual choice based on the addict’s desire and commitment to getting sober and his/her natural body chemistry.

Types of Rehab Centers - Outpatient

Essentially, we classify treatment centers in two broad categories: Inpatient and Outpatient. Here again the choice is an individual one. Some persons work best in an outpatient setting where they can stay at home and attend counseling and support group sessions. Most outpatient centers employ a counselor who organizes the program, oversees the day to day classes and meets regularly with patients in the program to monitor their progress. Most programs have support groups for family members. This helps them to understand what their loved one is going through and to exchange information about the program. The names of patients are always kept confidential.

The one disadvantage of an outpatient program is not with the program itself. It is that individuals have already established their social network. It most often includes other drug users. It is extremely difficult for a drug user to break these relationships and form new ones. Meeting new sober friends is a major key in the patient’s recovery.

Types of Rehab Centers - Inpatient

An inpatient program is a residential one where the client remains in a setting away from home for a specified period. It is best that the individual agrees voluntarily to stay for the entire length of the program. In some cases a forced enrollment will work, but that is not the norm. Most of these centers are not lock-down. The patient is free to leave. This reinforces the idea that the program is voluntary. Inpatient programs are 24/7 and require guided activities throughout the day and evening. The emphasis is the same with counseling and support groups, but the meetings are more frequent and intense. These programs usually include various projects where the patient can choose an activity and practice his/her creative skills. This phase is important because it helps the patient follow a project from beginning to end, and builds the idea that YES I can do this. Many drug users have not had this experience. It is a learning skill that is needed when they leave and try to get a job.

Summary

Staying sober is an individual choice, but is not always easy. Relapses may occur and require more intervention. Much depends on the immediate support the youngster receives from parents, guardians and friends. New friendships and activities are helpful. Perhaps the greatest need is for love and empathy.