Intervention

[BQ77]

If you don't know already there is a great show on A&E every Monday night (check your local listings) called Intervention.  They show 2 every Monday.  Usually an old one and a new one.  It sheds light on certain people's addictions.  Basically they find someone with an addiction problem.  It could be anything.....pills...alcohol....herion...crystal meth...cocaine....eating disorders and I've even seen compulsive gamblers.  No matter the addiction, it really hits home and if you've watched it you would know what I mean.  It's crazy that no matter what the substance, the outcomes are so similar.  

For those who haven't seen it, this is what they do.  They find the addict and tell them they want to document their addiction.  Little do they know, they will actually face an Intervention.  They get those closest to the addict involved like family and friends.  The show the addict actually using their substance of choice.  They show everything.  How the addicts get money to support their habits like panhandling or even prostitution.  They could just be using all the money they work for or even getting money from family and friends, but they show it all.  Later in the show, all the family and friends get together and bring the addict to them and surprise them with an intervention.  Family members read letters they wrote and it can become very touching.  Then the interventionist offers them some help whether it's a detox location or a group home.  It's usually far from where they live.  Most of the time, at first, the addict absolutely refuse the help, throwing a fit.  Most of the time they give in.  The family members give them final ultamadums (sp?) like not even talking to them anymore if they accept the help.  Usually the addicts cave in.  Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they don't, but it's sure a great ending when they stay clean.

The show is very informative.  Explaining that getting personal help (like meetings and other aftercare) is vital to recovery.  Your chances are slim and none without it.  Sometimes it's good for us to see it from others and learn from it.  It wasn't this show that gave me my final straw, although it helped, it was another show that had heroin addicts.  They explained that they were addicted to heroin because they started taking pills like I was addicted to.  I sure as heck didn't want to go that far and who knows, it might have if I kept it going.  It scared me enough to finally quit.  If you haven't seen the show, check it out.  It's a good one.

Barry

[BQ77]

Yeah.  It could be different for me because I watched the show a little before my addiction, and actually watched it a lot during (I knew I had a problem, but chose to ignore it), but it helped me a little when I came to the reality that I should quit.  I see some people say during their recovery they lose a little interest in watching any tv.  If you enjoyed watching tv before your addiction, you'll enjoy it again soon.  There are other inspirational shows as well that have nothing to do with addiction.  For me.  I have always wanted to travel to places across the world and actually was set to go to Thailand last summer, but what stopped me?  Yeah...my addiction.  So the planning for that trip is into effect again....anyway....I enjoy a lot of things on the Travel Channel.  It's sparks my interest in traveling.  Especially Anthony Bourdain's show.  Food Channel is good too.  MMMMMMMM...haha.  

Barry

[TysonRed]

I really like the show, it helps me realize just how precious sobriety is. I know for some addicts they dont like watching others use, because it gets them thinking about it, but for me it reminds me to not go back. It also raises the awareness that addiction can strike anyone, could be your son or your grandma, the disease doesnt discriminate. The one thing I wish they did is give more information on the type of aftercare they recieve. The one thing Ive learned is getting clean really is the easy part, its the constant battle everyday of staying clean that is the tough part. Anyways just wanted to chime in and say I to like the show, although I always feel so sorry for the people struggling. Good luck with your sub treatment, if you ever need anything let me know. Take Care!