If you saw that someone you loved was on fire, running wildly down the street, you’d probably chase after them with a bucket of water. But, if you suspected that same loved one was struggling with an addictive disorder, you might be reluctant to intervene. “It’s none of my business,” or “They’ll have to hit rock bottom before they’re ready to get help” you might say. Or— let’s be honest, because it happens a lot— the person just pisses you off and alienates you, which makes helping them one of the last things you want to do. There can be a lot of mixed emotions.
But, given the extreme dangers of today’s alcohol and other drug epidemic, you cannot afford to just do nothing. Addiction impacts not just the addicted person, but every one in his or her life. You will not be left unscathed. Nobody in this country is left unscathed by addiction. We cannot emphasize that point enough. It’s the greatest social issue facing our country right now – and it exacerbates so many more of the other ones like divorce, violence, mental health, and homelessness.
So, once you’ve decided you want to help, what do you do? It’s not as though people who are in the throes of addiction are easy to reason with. You’re going to want to educate yourself about the disease, and seek the advice and support of professionals.
In this episode, interventionist David Brown and host Dan Griffin talk about where to find help and how to avoid the dangerous pitfalls of today’s addiction treatment landscape. It’s a must-listen for anyone who is weighing the difficult decisions that often come before taking that crucial first step toward hope and healing.
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About Our Guest
David Brown is a professional counselor, interventionist, mentor, coach, public speaker and educator. You are likely to find him in any conversation related to recovery and the world of addiction. He is passionate about working with men and helping them on their journey.
He has done over 350 interventions. He stresses that the most successful interventions he has done were ones in which concern was conveyed without shame, without ultimatums, without being hurtful. We hold loved ones accountable without being hurtful. The family is trained to express what they see and how they feel about it and are taught that they may only be planting seeds that grow later. We tend to judge our efforts by the outcomes but we have no control over the outcomes. We just give it our best most informed shot! What is really important are the family efforts and their expressions of love.
He was educated in England and has traveled the world extensively during a successful career in international sales. He has lived in Germany, Kenya, and India and made his home in the USA some years ago. He speaks German fluently. He is an exceptional communicator, storyteller and polished presenter with expertise in strategic and consultative selling. He brings an entrepreneurial background to the Behavioral Health Field and has a unique Rolodex of important contacts in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Far East.
He has been married to the Lovely Lucy for 34 years and is a proud man in recovery.
Addiction & Recovery Resources
Reliable resources for learning more about addiction and finding help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.
General Information about Addiction
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association
For People with Substance Addictions
For Families and Friends of People with Substance Addictions
SMART Recovery Family and Friends
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
