Drug Intervention:How to Find the Right Kind of Help
by Jerry Wittman, MA, MFT, LADC
You're in crisis. A family member has a drug problem. You've suspected this was a possibility but hoped and prayed it would somehow straighten itself out. It hasn't. Actually it's gotten worse. You must do something but what? You've heard about "Drug Intervention" but how do you find out more information? How do you know how to find the right person for your situation? Where do you start? These questions and more begin to spill forth when family members start thinking about possibly doing a Family Intervention. This is a critical time. It feels like a crisis. The best way to deal with a crisis is not with another crisis. Stop! Think! Develop a plan. You can start by asking others you may know if they have any experience or know anything about Drug Intervention. Ask your family doctor. Many times physicians will know others through there networking and referral base and will be able to give you a contact of someone who specializes in substance abuse and from there a referral to a known professional who can help you with an intervention. Other mental health professionals can be a very good resource for connecting with an addictions counselor who in-turn can put you in contact with a professional who specializes in providing Intervention services. Call a drug or alcohol treatment program in your local community. You might also try a national hotline number that can refer you to a nationally advertised center. Check the business listings in your local phone book. Search the Internet. Ask questions about Intervention from more than one source. Get answers. Many treatment programs maintain resources regarding Intervention and the professionals that provide these services. You can also find Interventionists listed in the phone directory or on the Internet. Finally, seek out professionals. Take the time to interview each individual so you can decide who is best prepared to assist you with this very personal and important process. Ask about their credentials. Are they a mental health professional? Are they licensed? Are they a licensed addiction counselor? Are they a licensed Therapist? Get references. Ask who in their community would serve as a professional reference? Then follow up by calling their references. Your insurance may help to defray the expense of Intervention. Check with your agent, your insurance professional, and read your policy to get the details about your coverage. Ask lots of questions. Get lots of answers. This single decision can help save the life of your loved one. Jerry Wittman, MA, MFT, LADC
For further information about intervention, visit Intervention Solutions. Jerry Wittman is a Licensed Therapist in private-practice in Reno Nevada and travels nationally and internationally providing intervention services for families and professionals.
|
