Interventions can be one of the most useful tools in getting a loved one to understand how their substance use disorder is affecting the people around them. However, many fear that holding an intervention may alienate them from their loved ones and decide not to stage one because of it.

While it is true that there can be short term fallout because of it understanding that, when used properly, they can be what encourages somebody to begin seeking help for the substance use disorder is crucial.

In today’s article, we will be taking a deep dive into the role interventions can play in a successful recovery from substance use disorder, and highlighting ten of the most common signs that it may be time for an intervention with one of your loved ones.

Ten Signs It’s Time to Hold an Intervention

Knowing when it is the right time for an intervention can be incredibly difficult. It can feel almost impossible at times to accurately estimate when it is the right time to stage one.

While this is by no means an all-inclusive list containing every sign that it is time to hold an intervention, the following ten steps can be a great indicator that holding one may be beneficial for your loved one:

1. Noticeable Increase in Substance Usage

Perhaps the most blatant and obvious sign that it is time for an intervention is a heavy, noticeable increase in substance use. This does not refer to a one-off event like a party or wedding, but rather a repeated and sustained increase.

2. Major Behavioral Changes

While a change in behavior alone is probably not enough to warrant an intervention, major behavioral changes that coincide with substance are often an excellent indicator that something is seriously wrong and needs addressing.

3. Denial of the Problem

Another major sign that somebody may be suffering from substance use disorder is an adamant denial that any problem exists when their drinking habits are questioned.

It is not at all uncommon for individuals in denial to get hostile when confronted and defend themselves in ways that may come across as aggressive or even threatening depending on the situation.

4. Hiding Substance Use

Anytime you notice a friend or loved one going out of their way to hide their usage of drugs and alcohol it is a very strong indicator that they have a much deeper problem than what may appear on a surface level.

Typically, when you catch somebody hiding their substance usage, they are using at a much higher and more concerning level than you may think. Even if you haven’t seen or witnessed any other red flags firsthand, this is a serious enough sign that it warrants a conversation at the very least on its own.

5. Socially Withdrawing

Sometimes when a person is suffering from substance abuse disorder they end up losing themselves in their addiction. In turn, this may lead to them withdrawing from social functions that they typically would have enjoyed participating in. If you see this happening often with one of your loved ones alongside an increase in drinking or recreational drug use, they may be suffering from the disease.

6. Engaging in Risky Behavior to Obtain Drugs and/or Alcohol

Individuals suffering from substance use disorder often become so dependent on drugs and/or alcohol that they become willing to do anything in order to get more. This does not always look the same but commonly includes engaging in risky activities such as stealing or interacting with dangerous people.

If you notice a loved one has started putting themselves at an increased risk in order to get more drugs or alcohol, it is likely that they are suffering from substance use disorder and would benefit greatly from an intervention.

7. Financial Difficulties Due to Substance Use

Sometimes, as the disease gets worse and takes a stronger hold over an individual, they begin to accumulate debt or miss payments on their bills in order to pay for more drugs and alcohol.

8. Relationship Problems

Alcohol and drug usage places a massive strain on relationships, and can often end with the severing of all ties. This applies to both romantic and platonic relationships in very similar ways.

Staging an intervention before this strain grows to the point of resentment and animosity that can not be fixed is one of the best ways to ensure that the relationship can endure and prosper through the suffering individual’s battle against substance use disorder.

9. Experiencing Legal Issues

As an individual’s battle against substance use disorder gets worse and worse, they can sometimes begin to experience legal troubles such as arrests or lawsuits filed against them. One of the primary reasons for this is that overuse of harmful substances can severely impact decision making abilities, leading them to act in ways that they would never dream of while sober.

10. Failed Attempts to Get Sober or “Cut Back” 

Many people who would greatly benefit from an intervention for addiction and having a strong support system on their road to recovery have already attempted to get sober or at least moderate their consumption on their own.

When this is the case, it can be of great service to them to show your support by staging an intervention and helping them begin their recovery journey in a meaningful way. This can help them find evidence-based treatment and help that they may not find accessible on their own.

It’s Never Too Late to Get Sober

Throughout the entire process, from spotting the initial warning sign to seeking help or checking into a rehab facility, it is crucial that you remember that it is never too late to find long-lasting sobriety. 

No matter how far you have gone or how bad things have gotten, there is always hope that you can get better. By taking advantage of the countless tools and free resources available, recovery has never been more accessible. This is not to say that it will be easy, but rather that it’s possible.

Never Alone Recovery Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder or needs assistance in building a strong sober support network, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at 844-365-4445 for a free consultation to see how we can help you begin your journey toward long-term sober living, regardless of background.

Never Alone Recovery is an Indiana rehab facilitator with a team of dedicated, full-time addiction recovery consultants on staff who work around the clock to provide free drug rehab placement services and find insurance approved rehab options for those in need. 

The mission of the Never Alone program is to offer support and unyielding compassion to those suffering from mental health issues and substance use disorder, as well as their loved ones, regardless of income or financial means. 

In addition to this article, we have an extensive library of online resources and a 100% free online support group that meets weekly. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, remember that you’re never alone.