What starts out as a pleasurable diversion soon turns into an obsession, specially for those who have a inclination for it. The reason could be social circle, difficult situations or just for fun. While a drink or two occasionally may not significantly impair bodily functions, a chronic alcoholic who consumes an excess of alcohol, neglects food and work, soon exhibits signs of physical and mental deterioration.

Drinking to excess will certainly lead to complications such as heart diseases, cirrhosis of Liver, fatty liver, pancreatitis, cancer and possible renal failure. Prolonged drinking can damage nearly every organ of the body; induce general weakness, an inability to absorb nutrients from food, lead to emaciation and debility of both body and mind. The mind especially is affected. Chronic drinking can lead to depression, panic disorders, phobias, anxiety disorders, suicidal tendencies, impaired memory, decision powers, control over limbs and movements. More details of each of these dangers can be found elsewhere and it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss each one at length.

The sum total of it all is that the chronic drunk turns into a physical and mental wreck who is practically useless for his own self, his family and to society and has a short lifespan. A pregnant woman who drinks to excess puts herself and her unborn child to great danger. The child so born can be physically or mentally challenged.

There comes a point when the alcoholic realizes the condition he is in, tries to stop, but withdrawal symptoms are too intolerable for him to do it on his own so he relapses. He is not in control and in no condition to handle this problem on his own. Should he be lucky enough to have friends and family who care enough to gently persuade and should he have enough good sense left to understand he will waste no time in seeking treatment at a suitable alcoholism treatment center which is fully equipped and capable of dealing with his problem.

Over the decades various types of alcoholism treatment centers have sprung up. Each offers its own unique treatment program. However they usually follow a general pattern of treatment which would be something like this :

Diagnosis of problem and extent of damage; physical and mental condition of the patient, recommended treatment schedule and program

Treatment starts with detox and counseling to handle withdrawal symptoms. It is in these initial stages that it is the hardest for an alcoholic to stay away from drink and these withdrawal symptoms can be so painful and unbearable that the chronic alcoholic will reach for a drink, if available. These centers know the importance of this aspect of the treatment and have processes in place which will prevent the addict from reaching for a drink and enable him to resist his craing;

Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, general group sessions, meditations, physical activity and being kept engaged mentally and physically;

Counseling and post treatment skill building

Guidance and support once the person leaves the center, declared fully cured.

Some may view the staff at the alcoholism treatment centers as grim and relentless in the way they handle such chronic cases. But such cases need firm handling and the professionally qualified staff have to be firm at times. They are sympathetic, understanding and supportive. Their aim is to reform you, give you your life back and you need to be equally cooperative. And looking back you will be glad you opted for treatment at this center and the happy times you have had since then.

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Basically, a Drug Intervention is an event that occurs when family or friends of a substance abuser try to convince them to seek professional treatment. However in many cases this is met with a lot of resistance. In most cases, Drug Addicts are in denial and are not always interested in seeking professional help.

When I was a kid growing up I never even heard of the term Drug Intervention, although I lived in an area where almost all my friends were chronic Marijuana smokers. Many of them did cocaine, that was back in the mid 1980’s when cocaine was bigger than crystal meth. In fact, meth and speed were just getting popular back then in our area. But pot was a big deal back then.

A Drug Intervention can be as passive as tricking the Drug Addict to get him to a location for any reason, but once they get there, they are directly confronted about their Drug Addiction and asked to get professional help. The best advice I have for someone that is about to experience Drug Intervention is to remain cool, calm and collective. Remember the 3 c’s. The 3 c’s actually apply to anything you do in life, but especially in this case. Listen to everything they say then really find that spot within yourself and ask yourself if you have a problem.

However a Substance Abuse Intervention can be as aggressive as a “Snatch n’ Grab” Intervention where the Drug Addict is taken against their will to a Rehab Facility for treatment. Once again if this happens to you I suggest remaining calm. If there’s a disagreement you have with this, go through the process without resisting. You don’t want any legal problems in addition to your drug treatment obligations. Any disagreements can be discussed once you are through processing.

The addict is this case may want to refuse treatment at first, but in many cases will thank the people involved in the Intervention later after they go through Drug Detox and are able to think more clearly. The key is to go with the program and realize up front the first couple weeks will be exceptionally tough. Try to keep yourself busy by exercising and talking as much as you need to with the Substance Abuse Counselors. That’s what they are there for.

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