Staging a Drug Intervention

Knowing that someone near to us is dealing with a drug addiction is very difficult knowledge to have. Our worries, concerns and emotional responses to this fact can become all-encompassing. As the situation worsens, it can become increasingly difficult to ignore. When drug use becomes excessive, it can start to have a ripple effect. Like a stone dropped into water, the lives of people nearest and dearest to an addict can start to be caught in the waves. Over time, our concerns for our loved ones can become larger and larger. How do we know if they are safe? What is the best way to offer support without causing a rift? Can you safely introduce the subject? For most people, these concerns can be regulated by a drug intervention with a clinical specialist. But when is this required, and what should you expect from it?

What is a drug intervention?

A drug intervention is an early form of support designed to flag concern about an individual’s welfare in connection with their substance use. It is defined in a 2018 research paper as ‘a structured, client-centred, non-judgemental therapy by a trained interventionist.’

This indicates that at their core, drug interventions are:

• Short-form modes of support
• Delivered by specialist clinicians
• Informed by relevant clinical knowledge and practice
• Focusing on objective fact (rather than opinions or perceived judgements)
• Conducted in a sensitive and compassionate manner
• Altered to suit the needs and situations of the individual
• Particularly aiming to reduce drug use (and its associated risks)

A crucial element of drug interventions is that they do not necessarily encourage individuals to cease drug use completely. This is for two key reasons. Firstly, ceasing drug use immediately can pose potential health risks. This is because withdrawal symptoms can cause both physical and psychological discomfort that can lead to harm when not monitored appropriately. Withdrawal symptoms can also lead people to feel the need to use drugs as a way of alleviating cravings and adjustments as the body detoxes, leading to a relapse. This makes instant cessation of use dangerous in both the short and the long term. Often, the best mode of action is to recommend a reduction in drug use. What that will look like will depend on the individual themselves.

Why are drug interventions needed?

Addiction is a chronic condition. It is a multifaceted experience that can begin to colour all areas of lives. This means the effects of addiction start to manifest itself on our physical health, even changing the ways our bodies work. Similarly, drug use has been proven to have substantial effects on both the function and structure of our nervous systems. This means that excessive drug use can have distinct effects on our neurochemical functioning, as well as emotional and cognitive capacities overall. Sadly, addiction can also herald a range of difficult socioeconomic challenges, leading to very tough living situations.

Unfortunately, research has shown that ‘people who have a past history of hospitalisation because of substance use disorders have much worse health outcomes.’ Physiological risks of excessive drug use include:

• Tachycardia
• Cardiac arrest
• Increased blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Stomach complaints
• Weakened immune system
• Increased risk of stroke
• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Damage to the respiratory system
• Damage to veins
• Risk of contracting injection-related diseases
• Damage to sinuses
• Increased risk of accidents
• Drug-related death
• Overdose

Some examples of psychological difficulties associated with drug addiction are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Memory impairment
• Difficulty focusing
• ‘Rewiring’ the dopaminergic (reward system) in the brain
• A decrease in the brain’s grey matter

Socioeconomic consequences of drug abuse include:

• Social withdrawal
• Conflict in relationships
• Professional or academic difficulties
• Difficulty maintaining day-to-day tasks
• Financial issues
• Home insecurity
• Risk of engaging in criminal activity

All of these experiences can lead to a reduced sense of health and wellbeing, as well an increase in social difficulties that can rapidly spiral out of control.

How do I know when a drug intervention is necessary?

A drug intervention is needed when you have cause to believe that an individual’s drug use is causing them or others to be at some level of significant risk. This can, however, be difficult to assess – especially as many medical institutions claim that there is ‘no safe level of drug use.’ Each individual’s risk level differs. This can depend on several factors, such as:

• The type of drug they are using (the higher the class, the higher the risk)
• The amount and frequency at which they are taking drugs
• If they are engaging with polydrug use (taking more than one substance)
• If they have pre-existing mental health conditions
• Is they have pre-existing physical health conditions
• If they have a history of trauma or abuse
• If they have a tendency towards aggression, agitation or violence
• If they have a tendency towards self-harming behaviours or suicidal ideation

In its most simple form, drug interventions are required when you have reason to believe that your loved one’s use of substances means that you have doubts about their ability to keep themselves or others around them safe. This can include concerns about long-term as well as acute harm.

Tips on staging a drug intervention

So, you have identified that a loved one may benefit from an intervention. But how do you stage one?

Brief interventions are usually approached in three ways:

1. They are conducted by a clinician in a primary care setting (such as in a hospital)
2. They are conducted by an addiction specialist
3. They are conducted by loved ones (following seeking advice from a specialist)

If you are planning on staging an intervention, there are several things that you can do to negate any potential complications in discussing such an emotionally intense and divisive topic.

This includes:

• Educating yourself on addiction prior
• Learning about potential support options beforehand
• Sticking to facts rather than feelings
• Voicing concerns in a way that reduces risk of being condescending or accusatory
• Keeping a level head
• Controlling emotions as much as possible
• Allowing your loved one time to talk
• Trying not to make assumptions
• Focus on goals and problem-solving
• Listen actively (give eye contact, do not interrupt)
• Offer support and understanding
• Offer to attend initial appointments or assessments for addiction treatment

What happens after a brief drug intervention?

Following a brief intervention for drugs, there are often one of three outcomes:

1. An individual is inspired to follow the goal-based recovery plan put in place
2. An individual begins to access further addiction support
3. An additional intervention is needed in the future at a more appropriate time

Get help

At Primrose Lodge, we know that addiction is a very heavy weight to bear alone. This is why we strive to offer the best specialist, confidential support in the sector.  We provide individuals struggling with dependency the opportunity to engage with innovative treatment. Our rehab programmes are fully flexible and unique to you. From addiction counselling to monitored detox, all our interventions are facilitated by clinical professionals. Take the first steps towards lightening the load of addiction by contacting our team for an initial consultation.