The short answer is that you should plan the alcohol intervention as soon as possible. Keep in mind that alcoholism and drug addiction are progressive diseases and it is a disease that is designed to kill. The progressive nature of the disease means that the condition of the addict gets worse over time. For some addicts, the dire changes occur over a period of months. For others, the changes may take years. And by changes I’m referring to changes in health, appearance, legal, social, and employment problems. Make no mistake, the adverse changes will occur. It is only a matter of time. One way of looking at the addict’s life is that right now life is as good as it gets for the addict. For most addicts life, while in the throes of their disease, is bleak.

So the answer to when an alcohol intervention should be scheduled is as soon as possible. Why would you want a friend or family member to continue suffering with their disease when you have a chance to do something about it? Why would you subject them to the possibility of DUI or possesion convictions, loss of job, continued health deterioration and the myriad of other alcohol and drug related problems when there is a viable solution in the form of an alcohol intervention?

But what about letting the addict “hit their bottom?” Doesn’t an addict have to want to get help on their own? NO! Addicts rarely pull themselves out of the rut of addiction and get help. They may try and certainly makes promises to anyone within earshot, but they are doomed to fail. Addiction is just that powerful. And while it is true that a DUI or liver faiure does get the addict’s attention that perhaps treatment is necessary, these calamities don’t always work. There have been countless alcoholics have have drunk themselves to death despite repeated warnings from their physician thatthey stop drinking. And, again, why would you place faith on a “bottom” when there is a better, and less catastrophic solution?

One myth about alcohol interventions or drug interventions is that it is confrontational to the addict and forces the friends and family to do something that is “sneaky.” I disagree. A drug intervention or alcohol intervention is the most loving, caring and supportive event a family can do for a loved one suffering from addiction. Putting it a different way, if the family doesn’t care about the addict then they’ll do nothing and see how the addiction plays out. Unfortunately, the results can be death, jail, or insanity for the addict.

If you are thinking about a drug intervention or alcohol intervention for a friend or family member, consult an intervention specialist. An intervention specialist will be able to provide valuable information regarding assessment of the addict, treatment options, planning and organizing the event. As an intervention specialist, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the process of a drug intervention or alcohol intervention. Visit my website at www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call me at 866 534 4443.