Alcohol abuse ranges in severity, and can be present in the form of unhealthy and dangerous binge drinking or complete alcohol dependence, where an individual is physically or mentally addicted to alcohol. In both cases, it’s important for the person to receive help; however, this may prove difficult if he or she does not agree to it. Helping someone who abuses alcohol is hard but intervention could help prevent further physical, psychological, and emotional damage.
There are three basic types of intervention that can be utilized to help an individual suffering from substance abuse or addiction. The methodologies that are used are matched according to a certain population’s level of risk. These types of preventative measures range from targeting a general audience to high-risk individuals. The intervention types are:
Universal - targets a general population with a broad approach. In a universal approach, intervention and preventive measures are directed at large audiences, such as whole communities, schools, or the workplace. One example is implementing substance abuse education in school-based curriculum.
Selective - targets individuals or sub-groups of a population who have an above-average risk of developing abusive tendencies. These will most likely include people with biological, psychological, and social risk factors that put them at higher risks than the general population. Preventative programs include special groups for children of families with a history of substance abuse as well as mentoring programs aimed at children and teens with behavioral problems.
Indicated- targets high-risk individuals who have shown specific signs, symptoms, or behaviors that demonstrate a likelihood of alcohol abuse. These individuals are targeted with special programs that help prevent escalation.
Throughout the intervention process, it is important to remember and be mindful of the vulnerability of the situation. With this in mind, make sure to provide encouragement and support throughout the process. Prevention requires those in danger or struggling with alcohol abuse to focus on the conditions that contribute to abusive behavior and take action before problems escalate. Ways to prevent alcohol abuse include:
Identifying abuse early can help prevent physical, psychological, and emotional damage. If you believe your loved one exhibits abusive alcohol tendencies, talk to a professional right away to get expert advice. If the counselor determines that your loved one's behavior calls for an intervention, you should be prepared to take the necessary steps. Interventions should be planned carefully and be conducted with professionals who are experienced in such procedures.
Preventing alcohol abuse is a tricky process that must be handled delicately. While there may be some hesitation on your loved one’s part to accept help, it is a cause worth fighting for. Whether it is promoting alcohol awareness to youth at an early age or holding an intervention for a loved one, it is always good to be proactive.
