Intervention Knows No Season

Fall . . . a time of year when we think of holidays, of family, of giving thanks, of being together, of joy and love, good friends and good food. For families suffering with addiction, the holidays are anything but these things. Addiction doesn't go away, take a break or give us a reprieve because the festivities of the season are upon us. In fact, it can be quite the opposite; the ugliness of the disease comes out in all its glory.

As family and friends slowly and with trepidation come to the conclusion that intervention might be a viable option for them, they then struggle with when to move forward and do it. The obstacles are many . . . Thanksgiving with family is planned . . . kids are in college and have exams . . . travel is so hard during the holidays . . . let's not ruin everyone's festive mood . . . Yes, the holidays are a convenient obstacle.

In reality, there is never a "perfect" time to address this issue; it is an issue the family has hoped they would never have to address at all. But alas, addiction runs its own course and holidays are not a shield to illness or a reason for putting off serious healthcare. Rather than focusing on the obstacles of the holidays, consider the benefits they offer; the family is coming together anyway, intervention is a gift of love and what better time to give it than the season of giving, what better way to say "I love you!"

If you or your family need help, there is no better time to reach out for it!