Crisis Intervention

Drug addiction and substance abuse can cause a multitude of negative effects on a person’s body and mind. While treatment is essential for future growth, many people overlook the problems that may arise after treatment. In stressful situations, it is important to practice the different types of crisis intervention.

In the outside world, things can move fast and intensely. When it comes to addicts, these stressful situations can sometimes lead to relapses and other negative consequences. It is important to know how to deal with stress and be able to cope with life’s struggles.

After treatment, it is important to stay sober and aware of the world around you. Many addicts slip back into relapse, which involves a person using again. Relapses can be dangerous for the person and the people around them. By using crisis intervention, a person can have the necessary skills to avoid relapses and maneuver around extremely stressful situations.

What is a Crisis?

Before you can fully understand what crisis intervention is, the term must be defined first. A crisis is a breakdown or disruption in a person’s (or family’s) normal functioning life. These situations can not be solved with a person’s basic problem-solving skills.

A crisis can be very problematic for recovering addicts and people alike. They are typically situations that can not be dealt with easily. They can cause immense stress and pain in some cases, it’s very hard to cope with a crisis. A few examples of crisis situations include:

• Violence
• Divorce
• Death of a loved one
• Discovery of a serious illness
• Immediate economic struggles
• Surviving a traumatic experience (fire, natural disaster, etc.)

Along with these are a number of other crisis situations that can cause intense stress and panic. When these specific situations arise it is important to turn to professional help when needed. This is where crisis intervention comes into play.

What Is Crisis Intervention?

When people experience stress, they may lose control of their life and be unable to cope with their problems or life’s challenges. In this case, outside help can assist them in restoring peace of mind and a healthy outlook on life. Crisis intervention helps individuals overcome severe mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical problems related to addiction. Normally, crisis intervention is a short-term solution to provide people the tools needed to cope immediately with stress and trauma.

Crisis intervention counseling normally takes three months or less. The goal is to focus on certain events that can be traumatic or overwhelming. The focus of the intervention is the quick resolution of the problem to avoid serious emotional or mental problems later in life.

This type of intervention can also come in the form of a more traditional intervention as well. A family member may use crisis intervention to show the effect drug use has had on their life. The main goal is to push towards professional treatment and recovery in the long run.

Crisis intervention may not be able to replace long-term psychiatric therapy but it can serve as a catalyst for long term recovery. It can also help determine whether the individual has a dual diagnosis, meaning they have both an addiction and an emotional or mental disorder. In turn, this allows that person to get the most effective treatment available.

Substance Abuse and Crisis Intervention

Crisis intervention helps the most when someone is abusing a substance without being dependent upon it. The intervention has a short-term time frame lasting 12 weeks or less. It is especially effective when the person does not realize their behavior is harming them and those around them.

Crisis intervention has been found to be very effective in helping the person realize they are in danger. It can show the person that their actions have consequences when it comes to themselves and those around them. Professional crisis intervention can help prevent more lasting, long-term repercussions.

People who abuse drugs and alcohol usually must confront how severe their situation is, unlike other types of trauma. Many do not realize how severe the damage is that they have inflicted upon themselves and those around them. Crisis intervention is usually needed when drug and alcohol addicts engage in activities that dramatically harm themselves and those around them.

This type of crisis intervention is usually conducted by trained professionals and focuses on the consequences and impact of substance abuse. Consistent drug use has been shown to affect a person in the following ways:

• Financial issues
• Legal troubles
• Medical issues
• Relationship problems
• Negative impact on loved ones
• An overall decrease in quality of life

In this case, professional intervention is needed to force the person to recognize the linkage between their abuse and their current difficulties. A successful intervention typically precedes entry into a substance abuse treatment and recovery program to address these concerns.

Crisis Intervention Procedures

Crisis intervention follows a set of techniques and procedures. It is important to be patient and comfortable during the different types of crisis intervention. Even though crisis intervention is very much tailored to the individual needs of each person, some common factors exist in every crisis intervention program that is successful.

Challenging Beliefs and Expectations That Cause Problems: This guides the person into an examination of the thoughts and actions that can lead to helpful or harmful choices. After these are examined, they can be changed or discarded to be replaced with healthier choices.

Awareness and Observation: This gives the patient the power to see how their own choices may have contributed to their current state. This gives them the opportunity to realize how they can escape emotional trauma in a healthy, responsible way.

Recognizing the Problem: This guides the person into discovering the root causes of their situation, allowing them to understand better how they can change persistent, negative behavior patterns.

Breaking Negative Cycles: This helps free the individual from habits that are harmful, such as abusive drug and alcohol use. It is done by the recognition of harmful behaviors and ending them by replacing them with those that uplift a person’s health, life, and well-being.

The Formation of Short-Term Dependencies: This forms a helpful bond between the patient, counselor, and support community so their positive behavior can be supported until it becomes the new normal for the patient.

The Creation of a Solid Structure: This helps teach the person how to create and use a behavioral support community, so there is no need to resume previous negative thought patterns, behaviors, and attitudes.

Education: This shows the person different techniques for pushing past trauma and returning to a healthy life, empowering them to successfully cope with stress.

Unlocking Inner Potential: This shows the person they have the strength to power through any type of stress or crisis, allowing them to adopt behaviors and responses that lead to a better life.

The Importance of Intervention

In the case of certain crisis situations, there are skills that we don’t immediately know. Crisis intervention helps a person understand the situation and deal with it accordingly. When it comes to addiction and treatment, it is imperative that a person stays clear of drug and alcohol use.

Common and crisis intervention are both very useful tools in dealing with addicts and those struggling with substance abuse. It is important to understand the consequences of one’s actions and work towards recovery, no matter the means. Free by the Sea is here to give you the treatment you and your family deserve.

Why Choose Free by the Sea?

Crisis intervention is just one of the many treatment options available to you at Free by the Sea. We understand how tough addiction treatment can be. Drug addiction can have a multitude of negative effects on you and your family. We believe that now is the time to start living the life you and your family deserve.

Our passionate team of qualified professionals will be by your side every step of the way. There are a number of treatment options that may be the key to your recovery. Let Free by the Sea be your guide to a better, healthier life for the future. You deserve the best care and we’re here to give it to you.

Free by the Sea offers comprehensive treatment and a wide variety of treatment options specialized just for you. We’ll make sure you are comfortable and informed during the entire process. With the consequences in mind, you can’t afford to wait.

Contact Free by the Sea Today

These different types of crisis intervention can make a big difference in long-term recovery.  If you are concerned that a loved one or someone you know might be abusing substances or alcohol, it may be time to get help. Crisis intervention is often the catalyst for recovery. Addiction can and will take everything from you if left untreated

Let Free by the Sea be your guide to a brighter, cleaner life. Our wonderful Free by the Sea staff will be your side every step of the way. Contact us today for more information on treatment and residential options.