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Intervention Techniques
If drug addiction is contributing to an individual’s poor performance, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. An person's use of alcohol or drugs may be the root of the performance problem; however, substance abuse on the part of someone close to the individual also could be the source. Regardless, abuse of alcohol or other drugs inevitably leads to costly and potentially dangerous consequences at home or in the workplace unless action is taken to confront the issue.
- Performance at home or work
- inconsistent work quality
- poor concentration
- lowered productivity
- increased absenteeism
- unexplained disappearances from the jobsite
- carelessness, mistakes
- errors in judgment
- needless risk taking
- disregard for safety
- extended lunch periods and early departures
- Behavior
- frequent financial problems
- avoidance of friends and colleagues
- blaming others for own problems and shortcomings
- complaints about problems at home
- deterioration in personal appearance
- complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses
Intervention
When an individual’s performance deteriorates for whatever reason, his/her friends and family have an obligation to intervene. They do not need to be an expert on alcohol and drug abuse to do so because the intervention should be focused on the individual’s performance problem.
The following principles of intervention may be followed by friends and family who need to confront a loved one about a performance problem that may be related to substance abuse.
- Maintain control
- Stick to the facts as they affect the individual
- Do not rely on memory; have all supporting documents and records available
- Do not discuss alcohol or drug use
- Be clear and firm
- Be supportive, but avoid emotional involvement
- Offer help in resolving performance problems
- Identify resources for help in addressing personal problems
Articles
Alcohol abuse and addiction
- Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drinking Problems
- Alcohol Abuse Treatment and Self-Help: How to Stop Drinking and Start Recovery
- Self-Help Groups for Alcohol Addiction: Alcoholics Anonymous and Other Alcohol Addiction Support Groups
- Choosing an Alcohol Treatment Program: What to Look for in Alcohol Rehab
- Understanding Addiction: How Addiction Hijacks the Brain
- Women and Alcohol: The Hidden Risks of Drinking
- Are You Almost Alcoholic? You Don’t Have to be an Alcoholic to Have a Drinking Problem
- Teenage Drinking: Understanding the Dangers and Talking to Your Child
Drug abuse and addiction
- Drug Abuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drug Problems and Substance Abuse
- Overcoming Drug Addiction: Substance Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help
- Self-Help Groups for Drug Addiction: Narcotics Anonymous and Other Addiction Support Groups
- Choosing a Drug Treatment Program: What to Look for in Substance Abuse Rehab
Related issues
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders
Other addictions
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Warning Signs and How to Get Help
- Compulsive Gambling and Anxiety: Relaxation Exercises Can Relieve the Gambling Urge
- How to Quit Smoking: A Guide to Kicking the Habit for Good
- Internet and Computer Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Balancing Your Time Online and Off
- Cutting and Self-Harm: Self-Injury Help, Support, and Treatment
What is addiction?
Addiction exerts a long and powerful influence on the brain that manifests in three distinct ways: craving for the object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite harmful consequences.
For many years, experts believed that only alcohol and powerful drugs could cause addiction. Brain imaging technologies and more recent research, however, have shown that certain pleasurable activities, such as gambling, shopping, and sex, can also lead to addiction.
Featured articles
Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Is drinking a problem for you? If you consume alcohol simply to feel good or to avoid feeling bad, it might be. Learn more about the warning signs. MORE »
Overcoming Drug Addiction: Ready to make a change? Recovery is possible with treatment and support, and by making lifestyle changes that address the root cause of your addiction. MORE »
How to Quit Smoking: Learn how to replace your smoking habits, manage your cravings, and quit smoking for good. MORE »
Related topics
Depression
Addiction and depression often go hand in hand. Depression can make you feel helpless, hopeless, or empty and numb; but there’s a lot you can do to change how you feel. But with support and small daily steps, you can overcome depression and get your life back. MORE »
Anxiety
Many people drink, do drugs, or engage in other addictive activities in order to cope with anxiety. If that’s the case for you, learning to manage your anxiety and relieve stress in healthy ways will help you in your recovery journey.
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