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1401949 tn?1296043724

Intervention

As most of you all know, my daughter is addicted to opiates and using the needle. What my question is is how do you do an intervention?? What is the best  method and how do I aproach the subject. I know she has to go on her own, but it is out of control and I am trying to figure out a way to push her possibly over the edge? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!
Best Answer
271792 tn?1334979657
Hi,

You cannot push her over the edge. She has to find that cliff by herself. Intervention is tough business and is not guaranteed. I always suggest that you have a professional present for the actual intervention (or meetings) and a plan for treatment to follow.

If you attempt this without professional help it could be dangerous. Addicts do not take well to confrontation as I am sure you know. She could become physical or she could just stomp out, or both.

Please do not attempt this unless you research it thoroughly.

I will say a prayer that she finds her way.
38 Responses
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your kind words, and wether she knows it or not, your daughter is very lucky to have a Mother like you. I am also lucky, my Mom has been great through my many battles....loving when I needed it, stern when I needed it, and she didn't think twice about giving me a kick in the rear when I needed it too! I hope that your daughter realizes soon what she is missing. I was never able to have children, but I would think that would be the one motivation above anything to get clean. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your grand daughter.
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
Thanks for your input. It is hard to be on the outside looking in to say the least. Especially when you are defenseless to help or get them help.  Yes my granddaughter is the real victim of all this cause she is the one who doesn't have a mommy!! It breaks my heart daily. I just hope my daughter wakes up before it becomes too late. God bless you on your recovery and fight against this vicious addiction.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just wanted to send a hug to Teetime4u! I am an addict, in recovery, and it breaks my heart to read your posts. When I was active in my using, I really didn't think that I was hurting anyone but myself. I have learned since then that everyone around me was hurting and I truly didn't realize it. I like to believe that it would have made a difference in my using, but honestly, I don't know if it would have. I needed to hit my bottom before I wanted help. My heart is truly breaking for your grandbaby though. Alanon might help you to make things clearer and easier on her...I am sure she doesnt understand why her mommy is like she is. Please continue to post, your posts have helped me to understand more what the people around me were going through. God Bless.
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
I received your message. I sent a reply, its probly your computer, LOL. I will check out that site when I get the chance. And yes my daughter always tells me what I want to hear for sure.
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
Thanks for your input in this matter. I just want so much for her to wake up. It is sad to see her slowly destroy herself.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Be careful when you ask or beg them to go to rehab, depending on whats happening with them they may agree but only to appease you. The last time my son was in the hospital after again getting his head beat in my oldest daughter went and brought him home to her house, she said she could not leave him standing on a street corner all stitched up. I told him its back to the street or rehab. Well he went but only to appease me. He knows the way to rehab now, when he chooses.  teetime4u did you get my message I sent you?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, folks,

I've removed a bunch of posts in this thread because they focused on issues that were unrelated to the immediate problem at hand.  When there's a crisis, as we have here, the crisis needs to be dealt with; all other possible issues can wait till the needed care is received.  Otherwise, it's like an ER doctor looking at a flatlined patient and musing, "Hmmmm... I wonder if he was a Type A personality... maybe he ate too many fatty foods... do you think he ever got any exercise?... "  instead of yelling "GET THE PADDLES AND CRASH CART!"  

Let's keep things focused here on what needs to be done NOW -- supporting Teetime.  Thanks.  (I hope things get better for you and your daughter, Teetime).
Helpful - 0
1047946 tn?1332608029
Maybe winter coming is a blessing in disguise. As long as she knows rehab is the only option you are willing to help her out with she may have no other choice but to finally make that decision.
Stay strong, stay tough, and continue letting her know how much you love her and will be there for her when she is ready.
There's not anything you can do to get her clean. That choice is up to her and her only.
Have you contacted a professional to talk to about an intervention? They may be able to give you ideas to use or say to persuade her in the right direction.
Helpful - 0
271792 tn?1334979657
Here is a link for a list of meetings in your area. I hope that you will participate. It will help you to heal and the more powerful you are, the more you can help your daughter if she comes to you.

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html

Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
No I havnt checked into another town for alanon but I will. As far as  the other mom I have spoke to her acouple times but she is not on much anymore. That is what makes it so hard too. Is the fact that alot of people are addicted in my area but no real voices of family of addicts. If that makes sense. Its like everyone is just hiding and keeping their head down. or just in total denile about their family members problem.
Helpful - 0
1047946 tn?1332608029
Rock bottom is usually the only thing that will get an addict into finally going to rehab.

An addicts family is most often the biggest victims of addictive addiction. Addiction doesn't only affect the the addict. It effects everyone around them. Especially the ones that love them.

I wish it were as easy as you think it is.
Helpful - 0
1310633 tn?1430224091
Teetime... I'm sorry MZLAUREL has hijacked your post. Maybe one of the mods/admins will boot her off, as she has nothing constructive to offer and seems to be babbling on about something that has zero to do with your question re: Intervention.

Seriously, she's starting to make my eyes bleed and is not good for my sobriety. I don't think about using pain-killers too often, but right about now, I'm kinda wanting something to take away the pain I get when I read her replies!!!
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
Have you checked out surrounding areas?  Maybe that would work.  You are doing much better than when you first got here.  You have gained some strength and that is nice to see.  Are you still talking with the other mom on here?
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
Thanks Sara I have been doing better with letting go cause I know I cant do no more its in her court now. Yes I am constantly praying for her cause if anyone can do anything it is God.  Thanks and God Bless.
  IBKleen
   I would love to go to alanon but in my area the meeting conflict with my work schedule, so basically this forum has become my alanon. There is so many amazing people on here who has helped me so much. Thanks and God bless
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
I have mentioned Rehab to her for the past 2 years. Made calls to get her connected to them. got times for na meeting in our town. Beged and pleaded till I can do no more. She knows I care and would go to the end of this earth to help her. But right now her addiction is stronger than any love and until she is ready to take that step there isnt alot I can do. I got on here to see what an intervention consisted of and if people thought it might be a good idea. Thanks.
Helpful - 0
1310633 tn?1430224091
I'm proud of you for cutting her off and standing your ground. That' the first step.

Be ready and waiting for when she hits that rock-bottom. Hopefully her rock-bottom won't be all that harsh, but sometimes it takes a hard bottom to wake us up.

Stay strong. We're always here if you need us.
Helpful - 0
271792 tn?1334979657
My heart breaks for you. I can see how much it is hurting you to see your baby girl like this. I know it is hard but you need to protect yourself. Let your daughter know you are there, but will not enable her. Let's pray she comes around.

I can suggest that you look into Al-Anon for yourself and any other family members. It is a supportive group of people who can share their experiences, strength and hope with you and maybe give you some answers that you desperately need. If you need help finding a group near you, let someone know.
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
You are doing all you can for her right now but dont forget YOU.  Make sure you are getting healthy also so when your daughter does decide to clean up you both can make a fresh start.  What else can you do?  Pray and pray some more~~~~
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please pay attention to my message here.
You asked how to get her in rehab.

When she asks for something, offer what she needs:
A TRIP TO REHAB.
That is the only way, other than hitting bottom.
If you are not sitting there saying to her... "YOU NEED TO GO TO REHAB"
Then you are not being truthful.
SAY IT
Being afraid to say it could cost her life.
When you say it... She will know you care, no matter how mad she is at you.
Even an addict was once a child.
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
Thanks Sara, Its hard seeing her in this situation for sure. And with winter coming I am worried she is going to ride her addiction into the streets. She is holding on to her apartment by the seat of her pant. And I know I cannot and will not enable her addiction, if she need help into rehab I will be there packing her bags. But other wise what else can I do??!!
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
UNTIL her daughter is ready to put down the drugs there is NOTHING that she or anyone else can do so trying to find out what her daughter lacked isnt going to happen right now.  Only in recovery will this happen.  I understand you are trying to help but we are dealing with a person who is using and that is a whole different ballgame, something that most of us know a great deal about as we ARE recovering addicts.  I am very proud of the progress Teetime has achieved here.  Her daughter is a very lucky person to have such a loving mother who is willing to go the distance here.           sara
Helpful - 0
1310633 tn?1430224091
Sometimes a 'rock bottom' has to be reached before you can help someone. I know that's how it was for me, and I feel quite sure that's the way it was for a lot of folks here.

There are different 'rock bottoms', and not all are near-death experiences or anything that sever. Different people have different bottoms. Some have what are called 'high bottoms', but everyone will tell you the same thing... a rock-bottom is a rock-bottom, and different for everyone.

Maybe she just hasn't gotten to hers yet. All you can hope for is that it's a high-bottom and not a near-death, as a lot of folks here have had.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The Idea:
YOU CAN'T HAVE THE DESTUCTIVE THING YOU WANT...
BUT I WILL MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH TO GET YOU WHAT YOU NEED.
She may just need a Rehab nurse, not a Mom.
Helpful - 0
1401949 tn?1296043724
I have basically done all that. I think I need to get even alittle hard core with it. She is relentless. I just hope she wakes up before its too late.
Helpful - 0
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495284 tn?1333894042
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