Denial is a part of the addiction cycle. The addict does not and will not addmit they have a problem or that thier problem is out of control, in many instances they will not even admit it to themselves, they live in a state of denial.

Just because an individual's life has become unmanageable as a result of drug addiction and/or alcoholism, no matter what the drug being abused, along with the abuse comes a lack of willingness and/or ability to confront the true nature of one's own problem with drugs and alcohol and to take any kind of action to better their lives.

• The addict can express the denial in different ways:
• They blame others instead of accepting responsibity for thier actions
• The act out in anger when thier denial is challenged.
• They avoid people or loved ones and hide thier behavior from others.

Many individuals caught up in the cycle of addiction will remain in denial until thier drug addiction takes them to one of three inevitable ends if not checked or addressed - jail, institution, or death. Drug addiction and alcoholism is a devestating journey that destroys the individual, thier life, all they use to hold dear, and negatively effects everything around them.

Intervention is a tool that is used to end the addicts denial. The prupose of intervention is not to gang up on the individual, but to help them really "see" how thier actions and behaviors are effecting themselves and others around them. The end result of intervention is getting the addict into an effective addiction treatment facility.

An intervention should be a well planned and thoughout action.

The first step should be having a drug rehab or treatment program lined up and ready to go. If the individual agrees they should be immediatly escorted to the program, without a chance to change thier mind.

The second step is to form a plan. There are many professional intervension specialists or program that can help plan, moderate, or facilitate an intervention. Having a professional "stranger" on hand can help keep the intervention organized, focused, and more effective. There are also many counceling services available to the individual and the family. Remember the goal is not to blame or hurt the addict, but with love and concern assist the addict in seeking or accepting drug rehabilitation and treatment help.. 90-95% of interventions that are well planned and executed are sucessful.

If the addict does not accept help or is not ready to agree to treatment you need to be prepard for the next step. This step will be immediatly stop enabling behaviors. You must be prepared to impress upon the addict that you will not help them maintain the addiction and allow the effects of their decisions to effect them. This can be extremely difficult to do. Remind the addict you love them and if they wish to seek treatment only then will you help. You will need to ask the addict to leave and provide no money, no place to stay, and no emotional support - until the addict accepts treatment.

Tough love that may save thier life. When the addict is willing to stop living in denial.

Intervention is a important and serious undertaking. Besure to take advantage of any educational materials you can, advise with those who have been there, and professional expertise. Many drug rehab and addiction treatment programs can assist you in the planning and preparation of intervention.