Drug Intervention | How to Stage One & What to Expect

A drug intervention (sometimes known as a brief intervention) is used in cases of ‘problematic or risky substance use.’ Professionals typically use interventions in cases of risky drug and alcohol use. If individuals are fully dependent on substances, then drug interventions are not usually the best option.

The goal of a drug intervention is to highlight to an individual the potential risks associated with their current level of substance use. It is important to remember that the aim of this type of intervention is not always complete cessation of use. Rather, interventions aim to encourage individuals to reduce their use of substances to a less hazardous level. Initially, brief interventions were designed to help ‘risky drinkers’ acknowledge the dangers associated with their level of alcohol consumption. Some health and social care specialists now utilise drug interventions as a type of harm reduction for those engaging with substance misuse.

Drug interventions are not always used in the context of illegal drugs. A drug intervention may also be needed if someone is misusing a prescription medical or legal high. So far, this type of intervention has been shown to be particularly useful in treating risky use of:

• Cannabis
• Amphetamines
• Various stimulant drugs
• Tobacco

In short, drug interventions are considered to be ‘an effective first level of treatment offered to drug and alcohol clients’ but may not necessarily be appropriate for all individuals.

Drug interventions sometimes take place on an opportunistic basis, for example, if an individual is in a healthcare setting such as a hospital. In these cases, brief interventions will be held by a medical professional when they have reason to believe that there is a level of risky drug use present. In other cases, drug interventions can be catalysed by a friend or family member. This usually happens when a loved one is concerned about an individual’s engagement with substances. They may have previously broached the subject with their loved ones but may not have felt the conversation was successful. An intervention can be particularly powerful as it shifts the focus from a loved one to an impartial third party – a medical professional. This is useful for several reasons, as receiving advice from a clinical practitioner rather than a family member can:

The shape of a brief drug intervention will depend on the particular situation. Broadly speaking, though, it will follow a three-step approach:

1. Screening
2. Advice
3. Next Steps

A brief intervention can take anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes, and it can vary in tone from an advice based session to a period of short-format counselling.

Screening

Screening is another word for assessment. The screening process is a way of getting a clear picture of the drug-related behaviour currently taking place. One of the main screening tools for drug use is the CAGE-AID. It is likely that a screening in a brief intervention drug context will include the following questions:

• Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drug use?
• Have people annoyed you by criticising your drug use?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drug use?
• Have you ever used drugs in the morning to help you deal with a hangover or to get through the day?

A screening may begin by asking you more general questions about your current situation, asking:

• If you use drugs
• What drugs you use
• How often you use them
• If you are aware of the risks associated with this type of drug use

Advice

Following a screening, the brief interventionist will have developed a clearer picture of your current situation. They will then be able to firstly assess the level of risk involved. After identifying this risk, they will relay appropriate information and advice with the goal of increasing awareness of potential drug-related risks. During this advice, they may discuss:

• The physical health effects linked to the drug(s) being used
• The psychological health effects linked to the drug(s) being used
• The socioeconomic effects linked to the drug(s) being used
• Withdrawal symptoms of the drug(s) being used
• A tailored plan for reduced use
• Potential resources for you to access

The advice given in a brief intervention comes from a place of support, not judgement. It is important to remember that those who conduct drug interventions are professionals distributing health advice, not penalising you in any way.

Next Steps

Brief interventions intend to give individuals a ‘menu of options’ of how to move forward. This could include:

• Referrals to local drug and alcohol services
• Recommended contact with a GP
• Providing details for local support groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous)
• Providing information on local harm reduction support (such as safe sharps disposal)

It is possible that an individual may have more than one brief intervention. If the risk level remains high, more formal, structured addiction rehabilitation support may be recommended.

The core benefits of a drug intervention are highlighted as:

• Providing a menu of options
• Providing empathy
• Receiving honest feedback
• Catalysing acceptance of responsibility
• Receiving clinical, evidence-based advice
• Providing confidence to make change

If you are taking part in a drug intervention, there are several things you can keep in mind for the session to be as successful as possible.

The idea of a drug intervention can be quite daunting. It is helpful to think of the meeting as a relaxed conversation – a conversation that will prioritise your best interests.