Unfortunately, an individual suffering from a drug addiction usually does not realize the severity of their situation. Because they often associate with others afflicted with the same addiction; they typically do not comprehend the magnitude of their problem until someone intervenes. Often an intervention posed by friends or family is necessary for the addict to come to terms with their problem.
An intervention must maintain a non-critical, non-judgmental atmosphere at all times, as friends and family help the addict realize they need to seek help immediately. It becomes a difficult situation when an addict refuses help. If this is the case, specialists recommend following five steps to encourage them change their life.
Steps to intervention
First, family and friends must stop all 'rescue missions.' Loved ones need to stop trying to protect the addict from the consequences of their actions. If the addict never touches the downfall of their problem, they may never find the motivation to stop using.
Second, never enable the problem. Often family members will allow the addict to come and go as they please, this can ultimately be damaging. Someone suffering from an addiction needs to feel loved, but not rewarded. Be careful never to reward them by paying bills or bailing them out of jail, this only enables their problem and drags them further from their chance of recovery.
Next, be sure to plan the intervention astutely. All members present should be calm and collected, understanding they must embrace the addict with love and concern and are merely there for support. Chose one spokesperson to articulate and confront the addict while all other members present agree quietly. Also the best time to stage an intervention is when the addict is clean and in the right state of mind.
Be specific and state the consequences of their actions. Use plain but honest language to express your concern for the individual.
Finally, listen to what the addict has to say. The individual may begin to ask questions like "Where would I go?" or "How long would I have to go away for?" These are signs the individual is seeking help. Be well prepared with information about clinics and rehabilitation facilities; and be sure to present the information in a loving manner.
Detox
After acknowledging the problem, the next step to recovery is to purge the body of all cocaine use. Each situation and individual is unique, therefore it is recommended to seek help from a medical professional. Most rehabilitation centers have onsite physicians to monitor the detoxification process. Stopping a cocaine addiction abruptly can be dangerous; this is why it is important to have a trained professional on hand during this time of need. Rehabilitation centers and clinics offer the best help for someone struggling with a serious cocaine addiction.
Treatment
Following detoxification, treatment can progress by allowing the patient to confront the reasons for their drug abuse. By confronting the core issues, one can learn to prevent abuse in the future. Substance abuse and addiction occur because of four main reasons: chemical imbalances in the brain, unresolved issues from the past, beliefs that are inconsistent with the truth, and finally the inability to cope with current conditions. During group or personalized therapy the patient can explore their personal reasons and face them head on.
Finding the right treatment center for you or your loved one can sometimes be challenging. Look for a rehabilitation center that has personalized treatment programs. These programs tend to be the most beneficial for the patient and have the best success rate. Also look for a facility with an experienced and diverse staff. Every individual is unique and their situation is unique, this is why one should be offered a unique treatment program based on their mental and physical history. Although the road to recovery can be difficult and sometimes even painful, the decision to get help is the best choice a cocaine user can make.