How to do an Intervention

People struggling with addiction usually dent the fact that their drug use is problematic and are reluctant to seek treatment/detoxification. An intervention presents a loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse and can motivate someone to seek or accept help.

An intervention should be carefully planned and may be done by family and friends in consultation with a doctor or professional such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or directed by an intervention professional.

Therapies given at Rama

• Acceptance Commitment Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Contingency Management/Motivational Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Medication Assisted Therapies
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Twelve Step Facilitation

Changes in the brain

Physical addiction may appear to occur when repeated uses of a drug changes the way your brain feels pleasure/trip. The addicting drug causes physical changes to some nerve cells (neurons) in your brain (increase in dopamine release/T.H.I.Q. imbalance). Neurons use chemicals called neurotransmitter to communicate. These changes can remain long after you stop using the drug.

Other life changing complications

Dependence on drugs can create a number of dangerous and damaging complications, including:

• Getting a communicable disease-People who are addicted to a drug are more likely to get an infectious disease such as HIV, either through unsafe sex or by sharing needles.
• Other health problems-Drug addiction can lead to range of both short term and long term mental and physical health problems. This depends on what drug is taken.
• Accidents-People who are addicted to drugs are more likely to try or do other dangerous activities while under the influence of substance.
• Suicide-For people who are addicted to drugs die by suicide more often than people who are not addicted.
• Family problems-Behavioral changes may cause marital or family conflict and custody issues.
• Work issues-Drug use can cause decline in performance at work, absenteeism and eventual loss of employment.
• Problems at school-Drug use can negatively affect academic performance and motivation to excel in school.
• Legal issues-Legal problems are common for drug users and can stem from buying or possessing illegal drugs, stealing to support the drug addiction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or disputes over child custody.
• Financial problems-Spending money to support drug use takes away money from other needs, could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or unethical behavior.