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Even if an alcohol or drug intervention comes when problems are still manageable, an ultimatum to enter some form of treatment needs to be made. The reason is simple. Life problems will continue to mount for people who use alcohol or drugs as an answer to their problems. A change needs to be made in their actions and thinking through intensive therapy.

This is a task that requires time, patience, and knowledge. Loved ones who may be compelled to help could find themselves frustrated, disappointed and angry. Treatment professionals and people in support groups have the knowledge and experience that can make change happen. Knowing what type of treatment to require of the individual is important.

Alcohol dependence and drug addiction will result in withdrawals upon cessation of use. Entering residential alcohol and drug treatment, starting with medical detoxification, should be required of these individuals in an intervention. Simply stopping the use of alcohol or drugs makes a relapse almost certain, and can cause physical harm or even be fatal.

When an intervention is attempted with a loved one at the first signs of trouble, or there about, the temptation is to just say “stop” and demand abstinence. Nobody wants to over-react by suggesting the individual gets help, but everybody wants the problem to stop and not return. It makes good sense to risk over-reaction, though, rather than risk worsening or recurring problems

In these cases, during the intervention, a 12 Step program or other support group should be required. It might even be a good idea to require admission to outpatient alcohol and drug treatment to avoid future problems. This is because at the core of every alcohol and drug problem is a lack of ability to cope with life issues. At the very least, the individual will learn valuable tools in treatment that will make life better.

The information below is part of a guide from The Partnership for a Drug Free America which helps readers to plan an intervention. Tarzana Treatment Centers can help with pre-screening adults and adolescents for admission before the intervention takes place. So when the decision is made to enter alcohol and drug treatment, this will ensure that it happens immediately.

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What About Requiring Abstinence?
Some families tell the person to stop all drinking and drug use. However, complying can be difficult -uncontrollable alcohol or other drug craving, seeking, and use is the hallmark of addiction. If you decide to give an ultimatum, require treatment, not abstinence. People who engage in treatment will be better able to achieve abstinence, because they will be given the medical attention and emotional support they need to maintain abstinence over the long term.

— Source: http://www.drugfree.org/Files/Intervention_Quick_Guide —

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles makes a daily effort to find treatment news articles that we can share with our readers in the alcohol and drug treatment community. The external content was found among other articles of equal informational and educational quality.