Intervention for Drug Involved Adolescents
Teen intervention is the process of uniting the loved ones of an adolescent struggling with a substance addiction or drug addiction. An intervention is necessary when the adolescent struggling with an addiction is in denial of the problem, yet the chaos and destruction of behaviors is evident to loved ones, family, and friends.
The Steps of an Intervention
There are four steps to a teen intervention. The first step is the pre-intervention step. In this time the loved ones of the teen addict have decided that they can no longer handle the behavior, chaos, and self-destruction of the teenage addict. The loved ones of this troubled teenager addict must then plan to unite and discuss the next steps. During the pre-intervention stage an interventionist much be contacted and the history you’ve experienced with the troubled teenager and his/her addiction will be discussed. Your interventionist will guide you through the following steps, give you support, and validate your concerns.
The next step to the intervention process is the preparation step. In this time you will gather a history of the chaos and self destruction of the teen struggling with addiction, and the impact his/her behavior or addiction has had on their loved ones and their lives. The preparation step is also a time to discuss the appropriate treatment program for the troubled teen. Our professionals at Therapy Insider are dedicated to finding the treatment option that will be of the greatest benefit to the troubled teen, as their sobriety is important to us as well. Once a treatment program has been decided on, a payment method will be put into place. The next phase of the preparation process will be a time in which you and all individuals involved in the intervention will write letters to the teenage addict, describing your concerns, your feelings, the purpose for the intervention, and your hope for the future. A bag must then be packed with the appropriate clothes and necessities for the troubled teen entering a treatment facility.
Next, comes the intervention stage. At this time, everyone involved in the intervention will gather in one location. Everything will have been planned and discussed with your interventionist, and your letters will be ready. The teenage addict must then be summoned and the intervention, at that time, will begin. It is normal for the troubled teenage addict to become angry, surprised, or defensive, and your loved one may even refuse to participate in the intervention. In this case, whether the teen addict agrees to follow through with intervention or not, he/she may still be placed into treatment by the appropriate guardian. If the teen agrees to stay and proceed with the intervention, they will be placed in a chair and given an explanation as to the purpose for the intervention and the steps to come. Communication is extremely important. Loving, positive, yet firm and direct communication is imperative.
Everyone will read their letters. Many of the letters will refer to the destruction caused by the addiction of the teen. Letters typically include painful memories of the chaos of addiction and emotions will run high. Once each letter has been read the teen will have an opportunity to respond. The interventionist will facilitate this entire process, re-directing as needed.
The final phase of the intervention step is to explain to the teenage addict that their bags are packed and ready for his/her treatment program. Transportation will be waiting, everyone will say their goodbyes, and your loved one will leave with the appropriate transportation for the beginning of the addiction treatment program.
The last step of the intervention process is the post intervention step. This step begins with the transportation of the teen addict to an addiction treatment facility. This step is the beginning of a hopeful and healing journey to recovery for the troubled teenage addict and their loved ones.