Why Its Important to Intervene
We've all seen or heard of someone who takes drugs or alcohol. Sometimes we are aware it is recurring but never give it much attention. It is not uncommon for people to drink on a regular basis or even use drugs from time to time for "recreational purposes". The question becomes, "How much is too much?".
It often comes up as a matter of question whether one should intervene when they suspect or know their son, daughter, relative or friend is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Too often the person waits for fear or hurting the person's feelings or because they aren't certain they are addicted. It would seem a bit presumptuous to just outright accuse the person of being an addict. If there was a way to be certain it was the right thing, it would leave no question. The other question is, "How does one approach the subject?". This article is designed to assist with this dilemma.
Should I Intervene?
Whether or not one should intervene into another's affairs, goes back as a philosophical question for hundreds of years. In fact, underlying old British Common Law, there is the fundamental principle, "Do not encroach on other persons or their property". The matter of "Am I encroaching?" is a question that has come forward philosophically for generations and is what judges and juries spend their time trying to sort out. However, when it comes to drug addiction there are some guidelines that can help resolve the issue conclusively.
The Risk of Continued Addiction
When deciding whether to intervene it is a matter of indicators and risk. In the early stages of drug addiction it is difficult to tell if the person has an addiction. Knowing the signs and symptoms of drug addiction as given on this site, can be of great assistance. However, even more basic is for both the person concerned and the potential addict to know what drugs are and why they are harmful. Having a real understanding of drugs makes it possible to discuss the matter. FACTS are key. There is plenty of false information available about drugs and drug addiction. This site has been produced to provide you with well documented and factual information.
A key point in all of this is to discuss the drugs themselves. If you suspect someone of "overdoing" it and you have a difficult time pointing that out to the person, you're not alone. It is not always easy. In fact, most addicts had loved ones around them before seeking out addiction and in most cases it is usually the loved ones that assist in their getting the addiction help they need.
However, if one only suspects drug use or abuse, talking about the truth about drugs, going over factual information, may just handle the problem right there or at least bring it to the surface so it now can be handled. Narconon representatives are available all hours of the day and night to answer questions or direct you to the help you need.
The key point to keep in mind is WAITING to talk about drugs or addiction can be fatal. With many of today's drugs in common usage, a single use can produce death. The number of emergency room visits for drug abuse has skyrocketed in recent years, according to the 2009 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).
There is also another factor at work. Oftentimes drug use among teens and college aged users are done in binges. These binges can be fatal. The purity and potency of drugs today can be widely variable. The amount of drug taken is far more concentrated. Marijuana of 2011 is very different from Marijuana of 1970. Due to different growing techniques, selective use of seeds, the drug concentration in marijuana is far more potent than earlier. Other drugs have also followed this same pattern. With Heroin one never can be quite sure of the potency as it is often "cut" with other things. Some drugs, such as methamphetamine, are "homemade" and one never really knows what is in it. The individual chemicals used to make methamphetamine are each one capable of causing death or severe physical problems.
The point here is, it doesn't take a "long-term" addiction to result in physical problems of magnitude. One night out of drug use often does result in traumatic circumstances that can include death. Either from the drug use or the actions associated with it, such as driving under the influence, etc.
The Correct Approach
The correct method of approach is to talk with the person you suspect of drug use about the subject of drugs. Go over the facts. If the person is resistive or "blows you off", it could very well mean you've tripped on something. At the very least it shows you care. When in doubt, call Narconon. A drug addiction specialist can be very helpful in such matters. If the person isn't addicted, this can be established as well and no harm is done. However, if the person has an addiction, you have done the right thing and no doubt saved the person from even more misery from drug abuse and potential death as the person has a chance to attend the Narconon Program and turn his or her life around.
The key datum to keep in mind with all this is drug addiction never has a positive end, unless the person gets help or someone intervenes. Your call may just save their life. If it were to turn out not to be an issue, you'll both have gained from the experience.
To talk with a Narconon staff member call today: 877-237-3307.
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