Wisconsin Interventions

Drug addiction is a common issue that affects many families. It’s one that no family ever pictures itself having to face. It’s perfectly normal to feel at a loss at how to best respond to a loved one who is living with this type of problem. Once an addiction is able to take root, it becomes the controlling factor in a person’s life. They are no longer able to decide for themselves if they will use. Their drive to use is too powerful and no longer have a choice in the matter. Wisconsin drug interventions can help get an addicted loved one to admit they need help and get them into treatment.

Steps in a Wisconsin Drug Intervention

There are several steps involved in holding an intervention:

• Interventionist Meets with the Family

The first step in the process is to have the interventionist schedule a meeting with the family. The addict is generally not present for this part of the process.

At this stage, the interventionist gets to know the family members. They talk about their relationship with their addicted loved one. The interventionist asks questions to learn about any enabling behaviors that have been occurring within the family. Often, family members don’t realize that under the guise of helping the addict, they are enabling the behavior by doing one or more of the following:

• Giving the addict money
• Paying their rent or utilities
• Giving them a place to live
• Calling in sick to work for them
• Making excuses for or ignoring their behavior

If the intervention is going to be successful, these behaviors need to stop. When families don’t allow an addict to experience the consequences of their behaviors, they are enabling the addiction.

• Treatment is Arranged

The family arranges for a spot in a treatment program for their addicted loved one on the day scheduled for the intervention. Transportation to treatment is arranged as well, and a bag is packed and waiting, should the addict agree to go into treatment.

• Intervention Day: Family Meets With Addict

On the day of the intervention, the family meets with the addict. The best time to schedule an intervention is when the addict is not high or recovering from taking drugs. The meeting will go a lot better if the person is able to listen to what is being said with a clear head.

The family members read letters they have prepared in advance about how the addict’s behavior has impacted their lives. The tone is meant to be loving and respectful. The family is trying to tell the addict how much they care. The addict is given a choice to go to treatment.

If the addict doesn’t want to get help, the family explains there will be consequences. Financial and emotional support that enables the addiction will stop. An addict always has a choice when a Wisconsin drug addiction is held, and in most cases the person decides to get the help they need.