What Are Early Intervention Services for Substance Abuse? Why Are They So Important?

Substance abuse disorders are progressive, making it challenging for most people to notice the warning signs of addiction. In some cases, loved ones will only recognize symptoms once addicts have hit rock bottom or after the first overdose. However, even after an overdose, early intervention services can be life-saving. But, interventions, especially around substance abuse, are always more effective in the early stages of addiction. Here’s what to know about them and how to plan one if there’s a loved one dealing with addiction. 

What are early intervention services for substance abuse?

Early interventions are performed by the people close to the person abusing substances before they “hit rock bottom” when the addiction has not progressed as much as it could.

Various sources may provide early intervention services: school, primary care doctor’s office, urgent care, the ER, or mental health clinics. 

Successful early intervention services identify the underlying issues and triggers that could have led to addiction. Through this process, the patient (the person abusing substances) and their loved ones can take measures to prevent further consequences, focusing on long-term recovery and permanent abstinence from substances.

Early intervention services focus on:

• Identifying triggers and underlying conditions that could have led to substance abuse in the first place
• Teaching healthy coping mechanisms to prevent relapse
• Finding the right rehab program for the recovery journey of the person fighting addiction

The importance of early intervention services

Once someone starts misusing and abusing a substance, odds are they will not quit by themselves. Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive disease that worsens over time. Without assistance, likely, most people will not seek the help they need to achieve sobriety. 

Willpower alone is often not enough. Depending on the substance and how long it was regularly used, patients may suffer withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using. The mental and physical stress of the symptoms may push them to use again, even if they want to stop.

This never-ending cycle often places them at risk of overdose, which on occasion, could be fatal.

However, when people receive early intervention services before the substances they abuse have changed the chemical makeup of their brains, the recovery period will be less intense.

Early intervention services help patients understand the possible causes of their addiction and give them the knowledge and techniques they need to recover. 

Early warning signs of substance abuse

Knowing the warning signs of addiction is one of the keys to identifying substance abuse early and encouraging our loved ones to receive help. These are some of the most common physical and mental signs of substance abuse:

• Not being able to recall events that occurred while drinking (blackouts)
• Constant conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers
• Frequent mood swings, irritability, and depression
• Using substances to relax, sleep or cope with problems
• Headaches, anxiety, lack of sleep or appetite, and other symptoms while not consuming substances (early signs of withdrawal)
• Having an unusually red face and/or eyes
• Nosebleeds (for drugs that are snorted, like cocaine)
• Unexpected weight loss or gain
• Slurred speech

Additionally, people starting to abuse drugs tend to suffer lifestyle and behavioral consequences, which can also be identified by people close to them. Some of the most common include:

• Poor school or work performance
• Neglecting chores and other responsibilities at home
• Risky behaviors like driving under the influence, risky sexual behavior, and disorderly conduct
• Neglecting sports and hobbies
• Social isolation and secretive behavior

How to encourage someone to seek early intervention services?

Family interventions usually begin with one or more family members being aware of the substance abuse. Most people are not equipped to handle treatment, so contacting professional assistance is always recommended.

They may start by booking an appointment with their usual family doctor, urgent care services (in case of emergencies), or any other medical provider. Some cities or states have helplines dedicated to advising people in such situations.

Some people also seek advice from a professional interventionist or an addiction specialist. Others might encourage their loved ones to assist in a peer support meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous  (NA).

It’s important to note that not only family members can start an intervention, but friends can also start the intervention process.

Whatever the case, early intervention services are essential for helping people learn the coping skills necessary to overcome addiction and stay sober long-term. 

If you, a friend, or a loved one are starting to struggle with substance abuse, don’t wait for a major crisis: do the kind thing and seek professional help from available early intervention services for substance abuse.