interventions drug alcohol treatment

Intervention is a process that helps an addict recognize the extent of their problem. Through a non-judgmental, uncritical, systematic process, the addict is confronted with the Impact of their chemical abuse on others. The goal of intervention is for the addict to accept the reality of their chemically impaired lifestyle and to seek help.

An addict usually does not know they are out of control. They look at their chemically dependent friends and their own use appears normal in comparison. The individual needs objective feedback on their behavior. It was once believed that the chemically dependent person had to hit bottom before seeking any help. This has changed to the view that a skilled professional can motivate an addict toward treatment. This is called intervention.

WHAT IS ADDICTION? There Are Some Misconceptions:
Once it was thought that a person was addicted to a chemical only if the person needed the chemical daily, or if they went through withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, sweating, increased heart rate, high or erratic heart rate. It was also thought that chemically dependent people were unemployed, living under a bridge, poor, or from the inner city.
These are misconceptions. Many addicted people do not use chemicals daily and do not experience physical withdrawal when they stop using. The majority of addicted people are employed and appear to be functioning normally. Another former misconception dealt with the differences between physical and psychological addiction. Physical addiction was thought to be the determining factor in addiction and little attention was paid to psychological addiction. As an example, many people believed that cocaine was not a dangerous drug because it was psychologically addictive, not physically addictive. Addiction is far more than physical or psychological dependency: IT IS A PRIMARY DISEASE.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADDICTION
Four aspects that characterize addiction are:

Loss of Control: The user cannot predict what will happen when he/she uses the substance. One day he/she may not be able to stop after one drink or after one line of cocaine; the next day may not be able to control use at all.
Compulsive Behavior: The addict spends a great deal of time thinking about the chemical.
Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: If drinking or drug use causes problems but one continues to do it, one is tempting addiction or is already addicted. The person has lost voluntary control of the use of the substance.
Chemical Abuse: The use of any mood-altering drug that causes Family, Social, Legal, Financial, Physical, Mental, Spiritual, or Occupational problems.

THE PROCESS OF ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Why do people use chemicals (drugs or alcohol)?

To medicate pain.
To relieve symptoms of illness.
To change the way they think and feel.
To relieve stress.
To feel more at ease in social situations.
As a means of coping with personal problems.

Who develops chemical dependency or becomes addicted?

Genetics seem to play a part: some people are more likely to become addicted because of the way their bodies function.
Addiction tends to run in families; children of alcoholics are more likely to become problem drinkers.
Social factors play a significant role.

What are the characteristics of chemical dependency?

PRIMARY:
Chemical dependency is not a symptom of a more serious problem, it IS the problem.

PROGRESSIVE:
The physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms will get progressively worse.

CHRONIC:
The disease can be arrested and put into remission, but not "cured".

FATAL:
Chemical dependency is a terminal illness.

TREATABLE:
Chemical dependency can be treated.

How does the disease progress?

PHASE 1:

People learn that chemicals can affect their mood, providing a temporary mood swing to euphoria.

PHASE 2:

People seek the mood swing in social situations, using the chemical at Appropriate times and places; able to control time, quantity, and outcome of use. Users remain in this phase and victims of chemical dependency progress to Phase 3.

PHASE 3:
Harmful dependency; periodic loss of control; can't predict outcome once chemical use has begun; growing preoccupation with the use of the chemical; lifestyle changes revolve around the chemical; health, spirituality, emotional stability and relationships become adversely affected.

PHASE 4:
People use chemical just to try to feel normal or to ward off depression and guilt; blackouts occur more frequently; high social and health costs; spiritually bankrupt; family life nonexistent or dysfunctional; crime may be a way of life.

CAN CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY BE TREATED SUCCESSFULLY?

YES!
WE CAN HELP WITH A SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTION. PLEASE CONTACT TOM SLEDD TODAY TO START THE PROCESS.
1-800-444-4434 OR (813) 931-5560

Tom Sledd, CAP, NCAC II
Tom Sledd brings to HealthCare Connection of Tampa, Inc. extensive experience and education in the field of addictions counseling. He is certified as an Addictions Professional by the Certification Board of Addictions Professionals in Florida. Tom has made numerous presentations on Addiction and Co-Dependency to state and local groups.

"Tom Sledd brings to the professional field of addiction counseling a wealth of understanding and insight. Beyond his professional expertise, however, one quickly discovers the kind of compassion, empathy, and unconditional love which provide the spiritual environment in which healing and wholeness thrive…Tom's unique integration of professional skills with his genuine concern for individuals and their pilgrimage to wholeness makes him one of the best counselors I have encountered. It is a delight and privilege to recommend Tom to those who desire to be made whole for the pilgrimage ahead."

Dr. Daniel Stahl, Senior Pastor of Bay Life Church