What could possibly ruin this wonderful city? The same thing that ruins any city; drug abuse. Addiction is a serious matter and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, economic status and all other demographics. The good news is that help is just around the corner, and all you need to do is reach out and get help.

When Should I Stage an Intervention?

If you have a friend or family member suffering from the disease of addiction, the time is now to get help. The first step is to bring the problem to their attention and help them to understand that they need help. Staging an intervention is often the very thing that saves a person's life.

An intervention is simply a conversation where the person is confronted about his or her using. It is important to keep the conversation non-judgmental and encouraging as not many people respond well to simply being shouted at. During the intervention you will have the opportunity to express your concern and promote the idea of recovery.

The intervention will have been a success even if the person does not immediately seek treatment. Any step in the right direction is great progress given the powerful and insidious nature of addiction. Often, even if the person initially refuses treatment, he or she will eventually elect to enter a rehab facility.

Many people find the help of a professional interventionist to be crucial for staging an intervention. The specialist can help you and others prepare statements, rehearse and may sit in on the actual intervention, maintaining calm and defusing any emotional outbursts. There are several different methods, so consider consulting with a professional to determine which will work best for you.

Recovery takes hard work but it is worth every effort to achieve it. Inpatient facilities are commonly regarded as most effective in getting people started on the right path. The first stage is usually detox, where an expert staff will help you free your life from the drugs and comfort you through the detox process. The next stages include intensive therapies and plans for continuing care.

Anyone who is looking to start a new life clean and sober should find a local Twelve Step meeting. Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous prove to be the best way of beating the disease of addiction. Learning to live without the use of drugs and alcohol can be difficult at times, making a strong support system fundamental. Everyone is recommended to find a meeting, get connected, choose a sponsor and start working the steps. With regular meeting attendance you are sure to find a group of people who will help provide support and guidance through life's toughest moments. No one overcomes addiction alone and everyone who has recovered was once where you are now. If you are struggling with substance abuse, find a meeting in your area today and start living the life you were meant to have.