Questions To Ask During An Intervention
When someone you love is abusing drugs or alcohol its natural to want to do everything you can to help them realize they have a problem and get them into treatment. This can be a slippery slope as someone who is drinking heavily or using drugs may not be ready to admit they have an addiction.
One of the most important factors for getting through to someone that has a substance abuse problem is to help him or her realize their life has become unmanageable due to their addiction.
A common way to do this is to stage an intervention. This can be scary and overwhelming for family and friends to put together as many people are not sure how to do an intervention for drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Its highly advised to do so with the help of a professional interventionist to help guide the process.
A family intervention for drug addiction works very similarly to an alcohol addiction intervention, in that everyone works together to help the addict come to an agreement to receive and enter into a substance abuse treatment program.
How Is A Medical Diagnosis Of Addiction Made
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, distributed by the American Psychiatric Association, says that a Substance Abuse Disorder diagnosis may be appropriate when the patient demonstrates three or more of the following symptoms:
- Tolerance â the need for greater amounts of the substance to get the same effect
- Loss of Control â the inability to regulate how/how frequently they drink or use
- Failed Attempts to Quit/Cut Back
- Large Amounts of Time Spent Thinking about, Acquiring, Using, or Recovering from Usage
- Abandoning Other Interests/Responsibilities
- Continuing to Use in Spite of Negative Consequences
- Withdrawal â Uncomfortable/painful â or even dangerous â psychological or physical symptoms shortly after usage is discontinued
What Types Of Programs Do You Offer
While many recovery centers offer 12 step programs, some focus on non-12 step clinical and holistic treatment with 12 step options.
Each client is different and no two cases are the same. A care plan should be specifically designed to heal the mind, body, and soul of the individual.
A professional assessment is one of the first steps to being admitted to the program and each client should be assessed by an addiction psychiatrist and given a full psychological evaluation. Be wary of any facilities that dont offer this fundamental step.
Ask if they perform on-site neuro-psych testing to ensure proper diagnosis of underlying psychological disorders. This will allow them to establish if there are co-occurring disorders present, most commonly known as a dual diagnosis.
Like with detox, not all treatment centers offer dual diagnosis treatment for their clients because it requires staff to be proficient and experienced with both addiction and mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and others.
Its imperative that co-occurring disorders are treated at the same time for recovery to be successful.
Because no two clients are the same, the most comprehensive treatment centers will utilize a wide variety of evidence-based treatment modalities or therapies, such as Cognitive or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Neurofeedback, EMDR, Relapse Prevention, and many others.
Always ask about what therapies they use, and in this case, more is usually better.
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Avoiding Topics That Cause Relapse: What Not To Ask Your Recovering Addict
You want to keep your conversations with a recovering loved one in a respectful, caring, and productive light. That means there are some things you shouldnt say to maintain a good relationship and support, rather than hinder, their recovery journey.
Its not necessarily natural to know how to talk to an addict. Still, if you want to be close to your loved ones and continue to help them throughout their recovery, youll need to watch what you say and focus on positivity, not negativity.
Avoid Details About Active Addiction: Rather than asking about the details of their drug addiction, ask questions about their other interests and passions. Its important to remember that drug or alcohol dependence doesnt make up an entire person, and theres much more to every individual than just addiction. Thats why, rather than asking them where they got the drugs and who they did them with, you should bring up more promising areas such as sports, subjects they enjoy studying, or pastimes they participate in. Addiction should not be what defines them as individuals, and you should be careful to ask questions and bring up topics that reflect such a belief.
Traumatic or Shocking Experiences: Another talking point to stay away from is your surprise or shock they suffer from addiction. Every newfound sober person is extremely susceptible to triggers, and hearing something like You dont look or seem like an addict isnt helpful.
Asking Yourself: Am I Addicted To Benzos
If you think you might be addicted to benzodiazepines, you’re certainly not alone. In 2011, an estimated 61,000 Americans sought treatment for benzo addiction. That number has been climbing at an alarming rate ever since. The Benzo Specifics …
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Do You Know Why You Started Using
Asking these sorts of questions helps show you actually care about your loved ones story. You do not see them as a problem that needs fixing. The reason your friend or family member started using could be any of the possibilities youve already thought of, or it could be none of those. Either way, it is important to hear it from the addicts perspective. Your loved one might be surprised by what they learn from sharing with you.
What Is A Major Benefit Of Group Therapy
A useful feature of group therapy is that it acts as a support network for those in addiction recovery. A strong support system is crucial for long-term sobriety, and many people recovering from addiction lack that extra help. However, group therapy can also be beneficial for those who do have a support system at home. The exposure to others who are also striving towards similar goals often motivates members to keep going. Because a wide range of substance abuse group therapy discussion questions are addressed in these groups, patients are encouraged to be honest about their struggles and achievements. As a result, patients are reminded that theyre not alone in this journey.
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How Do You Perform Your Initial Assessment
Youll no doubt need a psychological and a physical evaluation so that you can be treated holistically. Treatment will not be effective if you are not made aware of what is happening with your mind and your body. Find an addiction recovery center that covers all of the bases with regard to an initial assessment, so that you can move toward sobriety with confidence that all of your needs will be met in treatment.
How Do I Know Which Teenage Addiction Treatment Services Are Right For My Child
If your teenager is struggling with any sort of substance abuse or emotional disorder, then you first need to talk with a professional â your family physician, a therapist, or an accredited local treatment facility. With one phone call, you prompt the help your family needs.
For over 35 years, Teensavers Treatment Centers has been one of the most-reputable teen drug and alcohol rehab programs in Orange County, California. By adopting a uniquely-focused approach that address your childâs special needs as a teenager, Teensavers is now the go-to resource for families battling the disease of addiction.
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Questions To Ask An Addiction Rehab During Your First Call For Help
Addiction and substance abuse are life-altering events. They can be devastating, or they can be opportunities for growth and change. When realizing that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, it is imperative that you seek treatment to ensure a better quality of life.
Entering the right treatment center can mean the difference between life and death, so it is essential that you ask some questions as you determine which treatment center is right for you. Asking for help can be a very scary and vulnerable time in your life, and keeping in mind that these professionals are not only qualified, but caring and compassionate, will help you take the necessary steps toward health and healing. Here are some questions to ask the professionals at treatment centers to determine if they are a right fit for you:
What Type Of Support Do You Need From Me
Its important to set clear expectations when youre considering dating a drug addict or alcoholic. What do they need from you? What kind of support can they provide you when you need it?
This can be a great opportunity to better understand your partners experiences with recovery. What are their triggers? What can you do to help them implement relapse prevention techniques? How can you help them cope with temptation or form a healthy routine that adds stability to their life? If you take the time to understand their recovery needs and how you can support them, youll know whether the level of support theyre asking for is something you can provide consistently in your relationship.
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Will You Accept My Insurance Coverage
You dont need the added stress of trying to figure out how to pay for treatment find a program that is covered or at least supplemented by your insurance. There are plenty of treatment options available that accept insurance plans their goal is your health and wellness without the hassle of trying to figure out how to pay for it. Ask this question up front so that you dont get bogged down with payment obligations when you enter the program of your choice.
Questions To Ask A Drug Addict: Am I Tired Of Feeling Depressed Anxious Or Agitated
The vast majority of drugs work by interacting with the brains limbic system. This system is in charge of controlling the production and reception of chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals largely responsible for feelings of joy and happiness in human beings. When someone abuses drugs regularly, their brain may respond by producing less of these chemicals, or not receiving the chemicals due to damaged receptors. Issues like these can cause severe mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, mood swings, and they can even exacerbate pre-existing conditions like paranoia and schizophrenia. Talking to someone about their emotional health as it relates to their substance abuse can help open the door to getting them the help they need, be it through a personal therapist, psychologist, or a rehabilitation center. Either way, this one of many questions to ask a person in recovery as it provides insight into their progress in recovery and addiction overall.
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How Long Is Teenage Addiction Recovery
Treatment should be tailored to the individual, so the time spent in a recovery program can vary widely. As a VERY general rule-of-thumb, here are the approximate lengths of some of the different levels of treatment:
- Detox â A few days to 2-3 weeks, depending upon on the personâs drug history.
- Inpatient rehab â 30 days to several months.
- Outpatient treatment â 3-6 months.
- Sober living â A MINIMUM of 6 months
- 12-Step meetings â Recommended 90 meetings in the first 90 days of sobriety, and as-needed moving forward
Professional opinion holds that treatment services need to last a minimum of 90 daysâin any combinationâto be effective. An article published in the Los Angeles Times found that the rates of first-year relapse among individuals who stayed in treatment 90 days-plus is half that of people who left treatment sooner.
What Warning Signs Have I Seen
There may be one particular incident that pushes you toward talking to your loved one about addiction. However, there have probably been many other signs often subtle youve noticed along the way. Indications of addiction to look for in your family member or friend include:
- Change in Appearance Is my normally well-dressed loved one neglecting their personal appearance?
- Health Issues Is my loved one suffering from new health issues?
- Altered Behavior Have I noticed major changes in how my loved one is acting?
- Different Spending Habits Has my loved one asked me for money without giving a reason?
- Issues at School or Work Does my loved one skip school or work frequently or have a dramatic change in performance?
You may not even know for sure that your loved one is using drugs, but these questions can help you determine if your spouse, family member or friend is using and trending toward addiction.
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Is Your Partner Prepared To Commit To The Relationship
Having feelings for someone can be an incredible feeling and comes with many positives. But, its important to understand the commitment that must be made by both you and your partner. As with any relationship, commitment is a key part of it. Are you willing to commit to the relationship even with its extra challenges? Are they willing to commit to the relationship as well?
Take time to answer this question honestly and sincerely. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to truly commit, dont rush into something you arent ready for. Sometimes dating a recovering addict has its ups and downs, and its important to be aware of these before jumping head first.
Common Group Therapy Questions For Adults
Group therapy questions vary depending on the focus of the group. Some groups may focus more heavily on developing relapse prevention strategies, while others may focus on art or dance as a form of emotional expression and communication. Below are some common group therapy discussion questions you may encounter if youre in a support group.
Recovery group discussion questions may vary depending on the leader and the focus of the group. Additionally, group members should always honor these values: confidentiality, commitment to attendance, no socializing with group members , communication through words and not actions, and participation.
Group therapy is a tool used in various addiction treatment methods to assist individuals in recovery. Our Illinois rehab utilizes group therapy methods like the 12 Step Program and Psychoeducational Groups to help our patients overcome the psychological challenges of addiction recovery.
For more information about our treatment facility or addiction treatment in Chicago, call us now at .
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What Kind Of Training Does Your Staff Have
Its always nice to know that you are in capableand trained-hands. Asking what kind of additional training your staff has will put your mind at ease if and when a medical crisis should come up. Staff that are fully qualified to deal with addiction and recovery should be a first priority for any reputable program look for programs that have certified staff that can meet all of your recovery needs and provide support when you need it the most.
Whats Your Dating History After Rehab
Getting an idea of someones recent romantic history can give you a better idea of whether you think theyre truly ready to commit to you in a healthy way.
For example, if someone started dating immediately after rehab, its a red flag for the reasons addressed above. If theyve had multiple relationships or sexual partners in a short period of time, they may not be ready for something more stable. Understanding where your partner has been especially as it relates to their recovery can help you trust that youre both prepared for the next steps.
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How To Assess Addiction Or Alcoholism
For the family of a functional addict understanding the problem in the home can be enormously difficult, because the problem isnt obvious. It can make you feel like you are crazy, and the same behaviors that allow the addict to mask their problem are often emotional and psychological manipulations that subtly distort reality for themselves, and the people around them.
Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction And Alcoholism
1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg’s after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. Dock …
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Have You Tried To Talk About Drug Abuse
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, you may not be the first person who has tried to talk to them about it. If you find another person close to your loved one has attempted to help, youll gain valuable insight. How did the conversation go? Was your mutual loved one open to the idea of getting help or stubbornly resistant? Knowing this information can help you prepare to confront your loved one.
What Happens After A Client Has Completed Rehab
Depending upon the individual needs at the time of treatment completion, a patient may be given an aftercare plan. Part of that plan may include moving into a half way house before returning home, or it may call for attending outpatient treatment. To continue to build upon the work done in treatment, the addict or alcoholic will need to continue therapy while attending.
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Number Seven: Do You Get The Blues When You Cant Access It
In my field, we call it withdrawals. You get down or you get frustrated if you cant get your hands on it. For some of you its your cellphone. Youve seen people sitting at the table with their kids and they all have their phones out, not talking to each other. Internet addiction is a real thing. Social media addiction is a real thing. Ive seen divorces happen because the wife was on Facebook for six or seven hours a day with people she didnt know and she wouldnt connect with her husband.
