According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 22 million Americans over age 12 reportedly use illicit drugs. This figure accounts for almost 10 percent of the population in that age group (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2010).
As a result, human service providers commonly work with clients who are affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Some providers choose to specialize in addiction prevention or treatment. In either case, human service providers need to have at least a basic understanding of addiction so they can effectively work with addicted clients or affected family members of addicted persons.
Denial is a strong feature in addiction. Typically, clients are in denial regarding the severity of their use, their level of addiction, and consequent effects on themselves and their families. As a result, interventions have become a popular method of beginning treatment for addiction. Interventions involve a large group of people close to the client, such as family and friends, to meet with the client and a substance abuse treatment provider to help the client realize the severity of his or her situation and condition and to convince the client to seek treatment (SAMHSA, 2010).
Search the Internet for a video clip designed to educate viewers on substance abuse interventions. For instance, you could look at a television series titledIntervention, which follows individuals going through this process. The series has increased public understanding of addiction and intervention.
You can also view the following webcast from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration of the U.S. Government on "Prevention/Early Intervention for SA/MH Problems: What's Working, What's Needed?" The webcast discusses the importance of prevention and early intervention in substance abuse and mental health and the impact these programs can have on society. The webcast also discusses successful programs and proposes recommendations for the future.
Access the webcast: http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Prevention-Early-Intervention-for-SA-MH-Problems-What-s-Working-What-s-Needed-/SMA11-4620DVD
Watch the video and be sure to take note of the video's URL to cite in your reference list.
Use the Internet, your textbook, and the Argosy University online library resources to research interventions for addicts. Imagine you are the interventionist being interviewed for a documentary about your work with the addict who is described in the video.
As the interventionist, write out your answers to the interviewer's questions. Support your statements with information from the video clip and at least one academic source, such as your textbook, an academic journal article, or a Web site from a substance abuse treatment center or research organization. Respond to the following interview questions in a minimum of 350 words:
What are the problem behaviors and physical symptoms that led you to arrange an intervention for the addicted person in the video?
What are the difficulties the family of the addicted person is experiencing as a result of the addicted person's behavior and symptoms?
What role do you, as an interventionist, play in an intervention?
Are interventions successful methods of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction?