Interventions

The best way to keep your loved ones from using more dangerous substances is to stage an intervention as soon as you recognize the signs of substance abuse in their appearance and actions. The point of intervention is to help the substance user understand the problem and the need to seek treatment. In other words, a substance abuse intervention is a means of encouraging a substance user to seek professional help for his or her problems.

While many people believe that interventions are quite easy to organize, it must be pointed out that the matter be approached delicately and cautiously. Depending on the stage of the addiction, more aggressive interventions (that is, when the person's entire family and circle of friends barrel down on him or her) may inspire the opposite effect. However, a more subtle indirect approach (wherein the family and friends drop hints of their concern for the person's welfare) to interventions may also not work as well.

This is why it is in the user's best interests if any interventions you plan are facilitated by an experienced therapist or an individual who understands the nuances of addiction. It would also be useful if you read up on the many different approaches to intervention, written by experts.