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Being the family member of a person struggling with alcohol use disorder who is unwilling to seek treatment can be frustrating. You are often unsure of where you stand and sometimes wonder if part of the substance abuse problem is your fault. You are constantly second-guessing all of your attempts to help your loved one work through their alcohol problems, hoping that they make the right decision and at least admit they have a problem. For many families, working with a mental health professional or professional interventionist can provide guidance, education, and a safe space to express feelings without fear of judgment.
Our world-class team of drug and alcohol intervention professionals can help you navigate substance abuse problems in your family. This may include addressing co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia as part of a dual diagnosis treatment plan. By using evidence-based therapy, psychiatry, and psychology approaches, we can reduce the risk of relapse and improve long-term sobriety for your loved one.
An alcohol intervention offers benefits for each family member as well as those struggling with substance abuse. When performed with the help of professional treatment advice, alcohol abuse interventions can bring relief and closure to family members who have tried their best to help improve their loved one’s life. A brief intervention can also serve as a powerful step toward rehab, detox, or connecting the person with alcohol support services that address both physical health and mental health concerns.
It can be a difficult process to work through, but alcohol abuse is something that only the alcoholic can take control of. For a successful intervention, the person fighting substance abuse is the one who must make a conscious choice to overcome addiction. The family’s job is to remain calm and help the addict accept treatment through professional guidance, alcohol intervention strategies, and compassion-driven support.
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Alcohol interventions are similar to those held for individuals who struggle with drug use. There are several differences, however. Many alcoholics are considered to be functional, maintaining work, relationships, and community presence while still struggling with abuse of substances like alcohol, prescription drug addiction, or other drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, methadone, codeine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, morphine, and stimulants. They also believe they can reduce their drinking, pass alcohol screening, or stop drinks entirely at any time without medication, disulfiram, or alternative medicine support.
An alcohol intervention will affect every family member. Spouses, for example, may not want to be part of an intervention team. They are more concerned with their own well-being and balance within their household or have become accustomed to the way things are and may be afraid of the outcome once their spouse participates in the treatment process.
On the other hand, those who look at the outcome of the alcohol intervention in a positive light will be able to see a brighter future with their loved one’s life fully changed for the better. Their children will have the parent they deserve instead of a detached parent. Spouses who encourage and support the intervention process can look forward to rebuilding the parts of their relationship that may have been damaged during the time their spouse struggled with substance abuse. While some families may feed off one another’s unhealthy behavior patterns, it only takes one person standing up to break the cycle and overcome addiction through rehab, therapy, and smart recovery programs.
There are many benefits of an alcohol intervention for family members. They get to release the frustration and anxiety they have been carrying with them for so long. It also allows them to accept they are not responsible for the decisions made by the person in the grips of alcohol addiction. Closure is not easy when you are watching a loved one fight a mental illness they don’t realize they have.
By participating in an alcohol abuse intervention, family members can clear the air. They can remain calm and speak their mind without fear of guilt or retaliation. They leave a successful intervention knowing they have done everything within their power to positively realign their loved one’s life. Family members must realize going into the intervention process that it is not up to them to decide between seeking treatment. The final choice is up to the person battling substance abuse. You can’t decide for them. The only thing you can do is make a convincing argument for a healthier, happier life after addiction treatment.
There are many benefits an alcoholic can gain from a successful intervention. During the intervention process, they may begin to exhibit a variety of emotions and reactions. Some may be angry and confrontational. Others may be spiteful or begin to make excuses. Many times, individuals realize their attempts are not having any type of effect, and they will begin to open their minds to the possibility that their substance abuse is destroying the lives of others. Once they begin to really listen to what is being said, they can begin considering treatment options.
Another benefit of an alcohol abuse intervention is that the person struggling with substance abuse can begin to see themselves through the lives of others. They can begin to experience a bit of what their loved ones go through each time they have to face a person who is altered by a substance abuse problem. While this may not be a pleasant experience, it is one they must face if they are truly sincere about taking their first steps toward alcohol treatment. For a person to truly commit to their recovery, they must face the good as well as the bad. An alcohol abuse intervention will make that happen.
The “get over it” mentality means they feel that as long as they can function in their day-to-day life, there is nothing wrong with having a few drinks to cope with stress, anger, or anxiety. The problem is that even though they may function effectively, they may not function efficiently, and their liver health, brain function, and overall quality of life can decline over time. They may also ignore medication options such as antidepressants, zopiclone, or diazepam when needed for co-occurring conditions.
When family members begin to see risky alcohol use developing, they may seek professional intervention to encourage abstinence and prevent further harm. The alcoholic may not see any problem and may respond by telling their loved ones to “get over it,” resisting detox, rehab, or other treatment center options.
Many people can consume alcoholic beverages for years without becoming addicted, while others develop dependence quickly. Genetics plays a role in addiction risk, particularly in alcohol use disorder, as recognized by the American Psychiatric Association and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Much like other diseases, substance abuse impacts each person differently. Co-occurring conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorder may complicate recovery, requiring integrated therapy, psychiatry, and dialectical behavior therapy to support coping and motivation. Nutrition, sleep, meditation, and art therapy can also enhance physical health and mental well-being during recovery.
An alcoholism intervention must be tailored to the individual. Although it will also affect loved ones, the alcoholic’s response drives the process forward. While they may be angry or resistant at first, many realize over time how their behavior, codependency, and abuse of substances have impacted their family and community.
Choosing to have an alcohol abuse intervention can be a life-changing experience. It can help reduce feelings of guilt in family members while giving the alcoholic an opportunity for sobriety, abstinence, and relapse prevention. Our professionals can connect you to detox facilities, treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and rehab programs that address both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions.
By contacting Family Interventions, you can work with a professional interventionist who understands addiction, prescription drug addiction, and the complexities of substances like alcohol, opioids, methadone, codeine, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and morphine. We will connect you with expert health professionals who use research-based approaches, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and compassionate care to restore health, motivation, and quality of life.
Read frequently asked questions about interventions for drug & alcohol abuse.
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Contact our caring and experienced interventionists to learn more about how we can help your loved one in finding treatment options that work best for their individual needs. Regardless of the situation, we will help you no matter what.