You have noticed the signs. Your loved one is often irritable and fidgeting, has lost a good amount of weight and appears tired, and is moody. Maybe, too, you have noticed things disappearing around the house, or money is gone with no explanation. You don't want to admit it, but you do realize somebody you love may be addicted to drugs or alcohol. You want to help, but how?

In troubling times such as these, one word is often spoken and heard: intervention. The question of invention is one commonly asked by family and friends suffering from the diseases of alcoholism and chemical dependency. What is it? How does it work?  Will it work? When can it be done?

You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from numerous national, State, and local organizations, treatment centers, referral centers, and hotlines throughout the country. There are various kinds of alcohol and drug abuse treatment services and centers. For example, some may involve outpatient counseling, while others may be 3- to 5-week-long inpatient programs.

Intervention

Intervention is defined as the process of presenting facts to someone who is out of touch with reality in a way that allows him to accept just enough of it that he agrees to seek help. Intervention should be a loving, gentle process, where the person confronted is surrounded by people who care for his or her well-being. A variety of intervention styles may be applied to different situations, depending on the person in need. Interventions may be held by family, friends, or co-workers who wish to help someone end addiction to drugs or alcohol.

If you are a recovering addict who has maintained your sobriety for 2 weeks, 5 months, or 10 years, why would you even consider the possibility of going back to the total hell-hole that characterizes addiction?  Note:  this is where your "maturity" comes into play:  what kind of decision-making and logical thinking will you bring to the table regarding your addictive behavior?

Interventions should be performed in a caring yet structured manner, therefore it is important to seek assistance in planning one. A consultation with a physician can lead to referral for professional interventionists, some who may work with a rehabilitation clinic. If you suspect a loved one is battling addiction, it is advised to intervene as soon as possible. Where abuse to the mind and body is concerned, time is of the essence, and the sooner a solution is offered to the addict, the better the chances for recovery.

Hallucinogenic drugs are substances that distort the perception of objective reality. The most well-known hallucinogens include phencyclidine, otherwise known as PCP, angel dust, or loveboat; lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid; mescaline and peyote; and psilocybin, or "magic" mushrooms.