Negative Intervention Consequences

Interventions have long been practiced for both confronting a person about their drug and alcohol addiction and aiding them on the road to recovery. Despite the many sources that give positive reviews about interventions, they can sometimes lead to more dramatic and unpleasant side effects.

First of all, interventions are meant to help a person; however, not everyone is willing to be helped. They may even refuse to believe they have a problem in the first place. When a person receives the intervention in a positive light, it can be beneficial to the whole family; unfortunately, this doesn't always go as planned. If the person receives the intervention in a negative light, then they may become agitated and forcefully leave the home. This usually invokes a backlash and the person may partake in further drug or alcohol abuse to cope with the negative response from the intervention.

Once the person walks out of the intervention, the family is left with further questions about what they should do next. Regardless of what is found online about interventions, it takes more than a simple guideline to create an easy and well-rehearsed intervention. In almost all circumstances, it is best to seek the counsel of a professional. Having a professional at the intervention can almost ensure that it goes smoother than without one.

Despite what a family believes, they are not always helping a person by surprising them with an intervention. "Reality" television shows have not helped the situation; instead, it glamorizes the process and makes it seem as if it is a simple and ordinary thing to do. However, the process of interventions is much more complex than writing a few problems and cornering a loved one about their addiction. The person is already experiencing inner pain and torment from their addiction and making them feel trapped will bring about unwanted anxiety. This is what leads to the flight response.

The first thing they think about is that they have to get out of the situation. Having a professional with the family can help calm the person down and allow them to feel as though they are with family and not being attacked from all sides. Only then will an intervention become helpful to the person and not create a more panicked situation for them.

Seek Professional Guidance

A professional can help the family come up with questions that should be asked, as well as give the person an opportunity to feel like they are part of the conversation rather than a target. The professional can also give advice on how the person can gain further assistance after the intervention. Addiction is hard on both the addict and the family, so only until the person is reached in a positive light can the whole family begin the healing process.