ASK THE NABA NETWORK

Recently Whitney Houston ’s Protector had spoke for the first time of the moment he found her lifeless body in a hotel bath.

Should you ever intervene in client drug use?

Charles 88: Well maybe suggest a reputable psychiatrist in that field. But either way an addict will protect their addiction which means removing us Protectors from their lives. So hopefully your relationship is good with the Principal or with their close staff and relay the message through them.

Monica Duperon Rodriguez: If you have never been around and cared for an addict it will be incredibly difficult for you to know when to step in. My recommendation is that protectors educate themselves on identifying the signs of abuse and understand the effects of different drugs. There is a book I would recommend, it is a book that walks you through the journey of a parent who tries to help his addict son and the years turmoil, pain, agony and heartbreak he endured but never gave up. The book is, “Beautiful boy, A Father’s journey through his son’s addiction” by David Sheff.

Ben: Very thin line to hurdle, at my early stage in the business had a client that abused drugs. So, to be proactive I keep Narcan with me at all times and a portable AED.

Maurice: We are responsible for protection and sometimes that will include protecting them from themselves.

Donald: As a personal protector, I say yes and no. Drugs have levels of legality, use and or addictiveness. Yes, we protect the brand and body, but will I intervene in casual uses of what may be illegal in one state and not the other? Likely not. Alcohol is legal but has destroyed many lives too. So whatever the choice, each client and their choices must be viewed independently. Addiction in itself is a progressive problem. We need to see it coming and intervene early if we see signs of trouble. Sometimes that may mean going against the protectee’s wishes. If it’s a strong conscience believe of the BG’s he must choose his conscience, even if it means he loses his position with that client.

Travis: Did the use just start since you’ve been on the detail or was it a preexisting issue? That’s the question. If my client started using when I came on board then I feel it’s my duty to intervene and find a solution and handle it delicately. Protecting the client just doesn’t mean from others but from self-destruction as well. If the usage was a preexisting issue, then it’s a clear possibility that everyone around them (entourage and management) is aware. Which may mean it’ll be a hard task to get assistance with executing your plan of rescue.

Kevin: I like the answers a lot but they seem a bit altruistic. Travis makes a great point in whether it’s a pre-existing issue or something they’re new to doing. To develop the type of relationship that I believe would allow you to even make a comment on what they’re doing may take years. Part of the problem I see it as is we are all replaceable and if anyone has ever had an addicted family member or close friend then you know that they'll alienate themselves or simply surround themselves with people who will allow them to indulge.

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