Even a historic, and idyllic place such as Topeka, many people struggle with substance abuse. If you are suffering from addiction you are not alone. Millions have been where you are now and have managed to triumph over addiction.

No one overcomes this cunning, baffling and powerful disease without the help of others. Denial and distorted thinking are a certainty when it comes to addiction. Many people who abuse drugs or alcohol do not consider their using to negatively affect others or to have any negative consequences in their own life. This is, in effect, the disease talking.

Should I Stage an Intervention?

It can be difficult to get through to someone who is using. Staging an intervention can be an extremely effective way of communicating the idea of recovery and illustrating you and other's concern. The intervention is essentially a conversation where the person is confronted about his or her using and encouraged to take the appropriate steps to change.

Some believe that the best time to stage an intervention is after a traumatic experience, such a car accident or near fatal overdose, as in that moment the person may be more open to other's opinions. Though often true, this also runs the risk of the person dying before any effective steps are taken by those around him or her.

There is a great misconception that people with substance abuse issues are all homeless or otherwise in some extremely unfortunate circumstances. The vast majority of people struggling with addiction, in fact, have jobs and families, both of which may be lost is the person continues to use.

It is often a good idea to consult with a professional before staging an intervention. There are several models and many factors to consider beforehand. A professional can help you draft statements and practice delivering the speech, as well as possibly sit in on the actual event. It can be greatly beneficial to have a neutral and trained person present on the day of the event.

Often the person will elect to enter a treatment center following an intervention. This is not always the case and if the person refuses, understand that the intervention was not a failure. Anything you can do to get a person headed on a path that will save his or her life is a success.

Regular meeting attendance is recommended for anyone looking to obtain or maintain sobriety. Twelve Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous prove the most effective way to treat the disease of addiction. Find a sponsor and work the Twelve Steps to free yourself from the vicious cycle that is substance abuse. Many have been where you are now and have been able to overcome their disease and learn to live without the use of drugs or alcohol. All attest to life in sobriety being far better than they could have ever imagined while using. The support and guidance that you find in Twelve Step programs will help you overcome all obstacles and find a life worth living. If you are struggling with substance abuse, find a meeting in your area today and start living the life you deserve to have.