Pre-intervention Checklist
When is it time for an Intervention?
An intervention could be what saves the life of your loved one in need of drug or alcohol recovery. Don’t wait until they hit rock bottom. They could lose their family, their job or even their life. An intervention is never an easy process, but it can make a difference and perhaps even save the life of your loved one.
People do not have to use drugs or drink alcohol every day to have a problem. Therefore, it may be difficult to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol addiction. Below are three checklists of common drug and alcohol abuse symptoms that can help you identify the signs of addiction. Please remember that even if a person shows some of the following signs or symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have a drug or alcohol addiction. The presence of some of these symptoms could relate to stress, depression or other problems, which may or may not be related to substance abuse. Let us help you and your loved one decide if Brighton Hospital’s help is appropriate.
According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the purpose of a substance abuse intervention is to help the person to recognize the signs of addiction, take the steps necessary to address the addiction and lead them to the help they need.
Medical and Physical Symptoms of Substance Abuse
- Observable signs of deteriorating personal hygiene
- Observable decline in physical health
- Signs of weight change
- Pupils either dilated or constricted; face flushed/bloated
- Emergency-room visits for drug or alcohol overdose, unexplained injuries, migraine headaches, auto accidents
- Claims of having been “mugged” without witnesses
- Inability to focus and track in a conversation
- Signs of shakiness, tremors of hands
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady gait
- Accidents – vehicular or falls
- Constant runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Addiction Symptoms Observed by Friends and Community
- Multiple physical symptoms and complaints
- Personality and behavioral changes
- Excessive drug prescriptions for self and family
- Frequent emotional crises
- Behavior excused by family and friends
- Activities involving drinking alcohol are a priority
- Arguments/violent outbursts
- Sexual problems
- Extramarital affairs
- Withdrawal from and fragmentation of family
- Neglect of children
- Abnormal, illegal, anti-social actions of children
- Separation or divorce
- Unexplained absences from home
- Noticeable signs of becoming personally isolated
- Embarrassing behavior
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or a drug
- Legal problems
- Neglect of social commitments
- Unpredictable behavior such as inappropriate spending
Workplace Signs of Addiction
- Signs of workaholic behavior
- Disorganized schedule
- Decreased output or workload intolerance
- Signs of poor work performance
- Alcohol on breath with attempts to cover with mints or mouthwash
- Frequent unexplained absences or prolonged breaks
- Tardiness or leaving work early
- Withdrawal from professional committees or organizations
- Defensive if questioned or confronted
- Poor judgment
- Observed occurrences of drug or alcohol intoxication, drowsiness or hypersensitivity during work hours
- Deadlines barely met or missed altogether
- Frequent job changes or relocation
- Avoiding supervisor or other co-workers
If you are planning an intervention, or need to be referred to an intervention specialist, please call a Brighton Hospital Customer Service Representative at 1-877-976-2371 to discuss dependency/addiction assessment. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. You can also text the word BEST to 9 10 11 to receive a call back from Brighton Hospital with information about our programs. We can help you to make arrangements for an on-site intervention and/or schedule an addiction assessment.
