Intervention by Example

I’m a firm believe that the best intervention occurs when people who are abusing substances see you changing in sobriety. You really don’t have to say much. It’s important never to be smug or condescending – or act like the worst kind of ex-anything (we all know how ex-smokers are often the worst complainers about smokers).  I think when you are clearly non-judging and kind – just living your life free of drugs and alcohol – those who are abusing things can’t help but feel a little tickle in the back of their brain that says, “Man she seems really happy – not sure how that can be, but maybe she’s onto something.”  Sure, many of them will scoff or find a way to push that thought as deep as they can into the back of their minds, but I have definitely experienced the positive result of just being a sober example rather than a sobriety proselytizer.

Occasionally someone will ask a question or two, maybe get a little more curious and dare to question their own drinking behavior. That’s when you can tell your experiences and let them hear that there is another way. I always shy away from preaching or sounding like I’ve joined some sort of happy cult. We all know how naturally suspicious an addict is when there is any conversation around actually not getting to use their drug or drunk.

You know the saying the best revenge is living well?  The best way to attract someone to sobriety is to live well.  Let them see you live a normal and fulfilling life without using anything to blunt your feelings or make life fun. Life is joyous in and of itself. That doesn’t mean you can’t share the struggles and the normal problems that come up in life, just that it’s a lot easier to deal with them if you aren’t drunk or drugged up. Through example you can demonstrate this. That’s what attracts people to ask the all-important question: how?