A drug intervention is a process by which friends and family gather together to help a loved one with a drug problem recognize the extent of his/her problem. Your loved one needs objective feedback regarding their behavior but you also need to know that they don't fully understand impact their behavior has had on you.

Often, the addict does not realize the extent of their problem. This is often because drug addicts tend to surround themselves with other users and addicts. Doing so simply reinforces their own behavior by creating a perception of acceptance. It really does go back to something many of us heard as children, "if Johnny jumped off the bridge, would you jump too?" This simplified suggestion is scarily accurate. By allowing oneself to be surrounded by other drug users it does reinforce the idea that it is okay to "jump off that bridge".

This is where the drug intervention comes in. Conducting a drug intervention is not easy, it often requires proper timing and must be executed delicately. It may be even more important to enlist the help of a trained professional. This is more important if you have never held or participated in a drug intervention before. The professional can assist everyone involved in the intervention by helping you understand the reaction you might get from the addict, as well as the proper way to react. Timing is important because you want to approach the addict when he/she is sobber.

Keep in mind that the goal of the intervention is to get the addict to accept that he/she has a probelm, and to further be willing to seek help for the problem. With that in mind, also realize that the first drug intervention may not be successful.

One of the best things you can do if you suspect a loved one has a alcohol or drug problem is get involved early, remain strong, and don't give in too easily. Do your best to show care, compassion, and concern for his/her well being and the situation. However, there may be times where the addict jokes, changes the topic, or tries to minimize the actual problem. This is where you can't waver, however do your best to not be confrontational. Confronting your loved one in what may be perceived as an aggressive manner may result in them becoming defensive.