Many people who know someone with a serious addiction may take the intervention approach to help them overcome their addiction; however, having an intervention can cause more harm than it helps. Although interventions are portrayed on television as a great way to face the problem of addiction, and the addicts make a full recovery, this is almost never the case in reality. Most addicts who are forced into an intervention feel as though they are being attacked and can become depressed, suicidal, isolated and will likely dive further into their addictions for comfort. This would be especially true for those who are confronted in public or in a large group.

The first step in overcoming an addiction is the addict must accept their problem and want to make a change. Trying to force a "happy user," someone who does not want or feel the need to quit, is apt to be a sure fail strategy. If they are not willing to try, there is no chance for success. In this situation, the addict will distance themselves from those forcing the change in order to continue with their preferred lifestyle without confrontation or judgment.

If the addict knows they have a problem and have considered change, they need support and reassurance to gain the confidence to take on the immense challenge ahead. Overwhelming someone with guilt and shame could cause their self-esteem to fall further and result in a severe depression or, in extreme cases, suicide. The last thing someone trying to make a big life change needs is reminders of all their faults and failures.

If you think you know of someone who might need help overcoming an addiction, try to be supportive and understanding rather than confront them with force. Remember, they have to want to help themselves first, and then you can talk to them about resources that are available if they choose to change and encourage them with the positive aspects of recovering.

If they do not seem ready to commit then wait and try again later. You also don't want to be nagging since that will cause friction in the relationship. The best way to be supportive is to be there when you are needed and to be understanding.

If someone you know is ready to make a change but either doesn't know where to start or isn't confident they can reach their goal, that is when you will be needed most. Go with them to community resources and reassure them of all the positive outcomes that can result from changing. Reminding people of positive personal attributes and giving examples can make a big difference in self-confidence, which could also mean a greater success rate. Perhaps one of the most important things to remember about the recovery process is the potential for relapse. Most addicts who experience a relapse can become depressed and sink back into their old habits. Be supportive if a relapse occurs and constantly remind them that we all make mistakes, it's no reason to give up and think of all the progress they've made up until this point. It's not an easy process for addicts or their family and friends but with hard work, patience and dedication it could mean the difference between life and death.

Source: Wood, Samuel E., Wood, Ellen G., Wood, Eileen and Desmarias, Serge. The World of Psychology. Toronto: Pearson Education Company, 2008. Print.