Nobody sets out to get addicted. When it happens it may mimic psychiatric problems, such as depression, anxiety, or stress. Eventually the real problem becomes obvious. Obvious to everyone, that is, except the person with the addiction.
When someone you care for develops a substance use disorder, there is a natural tendency to take responsibility for him or her, to try to fix them. Unfortunately, when you do that, they are less likely to take responsibility for themselves. Only when the addict is allowed to experience the discomfort and the negative consequences of their drug use, will they do what only they are able to do - get help to change their behavior.
What is "intervention"?
The most important thing you can do if someone you care for is addicted is to detach, stop enabling, get healthy yourself, and allow them to feel the consequences of their behavior. If, however, you do these things and it still doesn't work, there is a process called intervention.
A skilled counselor will coach a group of concerned friends, family and, if appropriate workplace associates in preparing for this procedure. Each person in the group is given the assignment of documenting specific incidents during which the addicted person's unacceptable behavior affected them, and their emotional response to that situation. They are re-assembled and rehearsed in their presentation, in order to avoid anger or inflammatory comments. On the day of the intervention the addicted person is invited to a pre-arranged neutral site and asked to sit and listen as each member of the group goes through their rehearsed confrontation. The session opens with the facilitator explaining the reason for the meeting and the fact that everyone is there simply because they care for the subject and invite him or her to join them in getting better. At the end of a presentation the speaker may warn the addict of the likely consequences for them not following through with getting help. Usually the outcome of the intervention is for the subject to undergo thorough assessment and treatment, if it is required.