It can be hard to confront someone about their harmful behaviors and lifestyle. So, intervening to stop addiction in a loved one’s life is definitely a challenge. It can be even more difficult to plan and hold an intervention now, during one of the most frightening times our world has seen.
But, if you have a friend or family member who is struggling with addiction, now is actually the best time to help him or her. But, how can you plan an intervention during the COVID-19 outbreak? Allow us to help you here at Discovery Institute of New Jersey.
What is an Intervention and Why is It Important?
An intervention is a meeting that involves an individual who is suffering from addiction, some loved ones, and a professional interventionist. The purpose of this meeting is to encourage the struggling individual to seek help for substance dependence. The group usually involves close friends or family members. These individuals work together to help the person to see the importance of getting treatment for addiction.
In many cases of addiction, the person who is struggling is not aware of the impact of his or her substance use. The individual may not know just how serious the addiction is. Or, the person may not really even realize that they need help.
In other cases, people who suffer from addiction feel uncomfortable and even angry when people address their substance use. They may become defensive or aggressive. This can lead to confrontational conversations. It can also cause people to become distant from one another, all the while, preventing individuals from getting the help that they need.
In any of these situations, an intervention may be both helpful and necessary. It can be hard for people who are struggling with substance use disorder to see the full picture. Sometimes, they may be unable to reach out for help due to the negative emotional and mental effects of addiction in their lives.
Thankfully, interventions can work to help people find their way to freedom with a little help from their loved ones.
Identifying and Addressing Your Concerns About Interventions During COVID-19 Pandemic
Most likely, you already have some major concerns about planning an intervention. But, knowing that we are in the midst of a serious pandemic can make the idea of intervening all the more overwhelming for you. We understand that you may have some questions regarding this matter and we want to assure you by answering some questions you may have.
We spoke with Kevin Morse, Interventionist at LIFTT Confidential, and discussed these very issues.
Here is a snapshot of our discussion, and how and we’ve answered some of your questions surrounding interventions.
Is it even possible to hold an intervention now that social distancing guidelines are in place?
Yes. Here at Discovery Institute, we understand that these guidelines are in place for our protection and for the safety of those around us. So, we certainly work to carry out these recommendations while still helping the families who call on us for interventions.
Are treatment centers even open? If not, how will my loved one get help for addiction?
Addiction recovery facilities are essential and, thus, are remaining open to help serve those in need. So, once you and your family complete the intervention process and your loved one decides to get help, know that we will be ready to help the individual begin the journey to recovery!
Even if my loved one decides to get help, how can we be sure that he or she will be safe?
It is absolutely natural and expected to be concerned about sanitation and cleanliness in times like these. And, while our team here already works to keep our facility healthy and safe, we want you to know that we are working even harder to make sure that the building is properly cleaned.
We also want to assure you that, when we come to help with an intervention, we will carry out the best practices for safety during this viral outbreak. This includes social distancing protocols, mask-wearing, glove-wearing, and any other practices that are necessary to keep everyone safe.
Also, we work to offer the best possible resources to ensure the safety and health of those who come to our facility. That includes providing hand sanitizer and other cleansing methods in addition to providing people with masks for protection.
What if my loved one is nervous about getting treatment?
It is very likely that your loved one will feel less than “at ease” when it comes to starting the recovery process. Beginning treatment for addiction can be a very challenging and even frightening experience for people who do not know what to expect.
This is why we work to prepare our members for the treatment process. That is especially important now that we are dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Our staff is working very hard to make sure the facility is up to par as far as the coronavirus prevention guidelines are concerned. This may mean that our team and members alike may need to wear masks or be physically distant from one another.
Since enrolling in a treatment facility may already be challenging for some people, these preventative measures could make the process even more difficult. That’s why we work to assure individuals as they come to our facility.
Our goal is to make the recovery as seamless and enjoyable as possible. So, we strive to prepare each individual as they begin treatment, informing them of the safety measures we’re taking here at our facility. This allows people to feel more at ease in the midst of the abnormalities and uncertainties everyone is facing right now.
Planning an Addiction Intervention During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Now that the coronavirus pandemic is causing many changes in the lives of people all around the world, addiction may become more and more evident. For instance, your young adult child who is home from college may be showing signs of alcohol dependence. But, because you weren’t able to see your child much before now, you are just realizing that this problem is present.
Perhaps you are spending more time with a sibling now that lockdowns and social distancing protocols are causing your family to stay home. As a result of the extensive amount time you’re spending together, perhaps you’ve noticed that your brother or sister is struggling with prescription drug misuse.
Seeing these signs in your loved one’s life may be very alarming for you. But dealing with a family crisis like addiction in the midst of a worldwide problem can be very troubling and overwhelming.
Still, it’s best to address this substance use disorder and the related issues sooner rather than later. In all truth, regardless of the news, stories, and rumors that are circulating the globe, no one is fully certain about when this pandemic will end. However, one thing is for certain: your loved one needs help right away. So, it’s best to avoid waiting until the coronavirus situation improves. Now is definitely the time to act in order to save your family member or friend from a life of addiction.
Is Now Really the Best Time for Him/Her to Seek Treatment?
Putting off treatment for addiction is never a good idea. Substance dependence can worsen over time, becoming more and more severe as time goes on. Its effects on physical health can be life-altering. Its impact on emotional and mental health can be devastating. So, it is definitely important for your friend or family member to get help immediately.
With schedules changing and many people working less or not working at all, loneliness and idleness can settle in. This can lead to an increase in substance misuse in some people’s lives. It can also cause symptoms of depression to develop. This can worsen addiction’s effects as well.
Also, if the individual is not working much or at all, now might be the most convenient time to seek treatment. No looming responsibilities can cause the individual to feel uncomfortable about going through residential or outpatient treatment. Needless to say, this may mean that right now is, in fact, the best time for your loved one to get help!
Let Us Help You and Your Family Today!
If your friend or family member is suffering from substance dependence, you may feel helpless. Maybe you’re unsure about whether or not you can help. But, there is absolutely something you can do to help your struggling loved one.
Here at Discovery Institute of New Jersey, our mission is to help each person who comes to our facility. We want to see every individual reach a place of peace and freedom from substance dependence. We are fully aware that this is not always easy, nor is it a quick and simple process. But, we are determined and committed to making the journey a successful one.
If you are ready to hold an intervention to help someone get treatment for addiction, we are here for you! We can help to guide you through the planning process and carry out the intervention when the time comes. We will also provide your loved one with the best of care once they begin treatment here at our facility.
Our programs are designed to meet the specific and individual needs of our members. So, whether your loved one is suffering from alcoholism, heroin use, prescription drug misuse, or co-occurring disorders, we are here to help.
Discovery Institute offers treatment programs such as:
We offer these programs with the intention of helping people begin building a new and healthier life for themselves. Our compassionate team of trained professionals understands the challenges that may arise on the road to recovery. So, we walk with our members, from start to finish. Rest assured that your loved one is in good hands here at our facility!
If you’re ready to help a struggling individual, just reach out to us today. We look forward to assisting you and your family throughout this time!
Dr. Joseph Ranieri D.O. earned his BS in Pharmacy at Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1981 and His Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine Addiction Certification. Dr. Ranieri has lectured extensively to physicians, nurses, counselors and laypeople about the Disease of Addiction throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 2012.
