There are generally two types of interventions performed for those addicted to opiates: an intervention for intermittent users whose dependency has reached the level of addiction, and pain management users. While there is some overlap in intervention methodologies, there are subtle differences in the type of intervention supports provided.

Most cases of opiate intervention that we perform are for individuals who began taking opiates intermittently, but over time became physically addicted as a result of tolerance and dependence to the opiate they began using daily. Users who have reached this level are 60% more likely to become IV users within the next three years, which is why it is so important to intervene before your loved one reaches this point. Fortunately, opiate addicts have one of the highest success rates of breaking their addiction following an intervention, provided the individual began using the opiate for recreational purposes and not for pain management.

Opiate addicts who began taking opiates to alleviate pain (joint aches, pulled muscles, following surgery) can be much more difficult to engage with in an intervention because they believe to have a “legitimate reasons” for using opiates. The difficult part of responding to this argument is that it is not necessarily wrong. Because the body gradually increases its tolerance to opiates, the pain that the opiate was relieving will no longer be sufficient, which is why they begin taking more opiates and how they develop an addiction without even realizing it. Our intervention counselors are trained to anticipate and address these counterarguments to help your loved one see past their own denial and agree to seek treatment. Opiates are recommended for acute pain, not for chronic conditions for this reason.