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If you’re getting tired of watching your loved one struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, it might be time to stage an intervention. Oftentimes, the person struggling can’t acknowledge that they need help, and family and friends of those battling addiction don’t know how to help or where to turn.
While having an open and honest conversation is a good place to start, a more extensive approach is usually necessary. Setting up an intervention for your loved one can help them understand how their behavior is affecting those around them and offer them a way to get the help they need.
However, a successful intervention needs to be carefully planned out in order to work as intended. A poorly planned intervention can make your loved one feel like they are being attacked, which can make them more resistant to getting the help they need.
Why Would Someone Need an Intervention?
If someone you love is struggling with an addiction or substance use disorder, there’s a good chance they would benefit from an intervention. Addiction is a chronic disorder that includes continual use of drugs and alcohol, regardless of the consequences they may face.
You’ll be able to see different signs and symptoms when someone is using drugs or alcohol in an addictive manner. Be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms, as they can be indicators that someone is suffering from addiction and in need of an intervention. Some signs may include slurred speech, lying, violence, stealing, poor hygiene, drowsiness, weight loss, financial issues, and more.1
When to Intervene for a Loved One
It’s not always easy to figure out the perfect time to intervene. However, if you know someone who is displaying some of the above signs and symptoms, it’s probably a good time. Many alcohol and drug rehabs have intervention specialists who can help you set up an intervention and guide the conversation to keep communication between both parties moving.
Even if you have the best intentions, it can be hard to approach your loved one who is struggling on your own. In fact, in many instances, it can even make matters worse. Interventions should never be conducted by family and friends alone. An intervention specialist is critical in helping your loved one break the cycle of denial and staging a successful intervention.
How to Stage an Intervention
- How to find an intervention specialist: Intervention specialists will play a key role in helping you stage an intervention. Having the guidance of a professional will help to ensure the safety of everyone involved and give you and your loved one the best chance at success. Do your research and select an intervention specialist who will understand your situation and can determine the best approach.
- Working with the intervention specialist to develop a plan: It’s essential to work with your intervention specialist in planning the process. Because an intervention can be a highly emotional and intense experience, a professional can help everyone remain calm and guide the conversation. They can also suggest which treatment might be best and follow-up plans.
- Rehearsing the plan: After selecting an intervention specialist and developing a plan, each member of your intervention group will need to prepare what they want to say. It helps to write down what you intend to say during the intervention to make sure that everyone remains on topic and doesn’t say anything out of anger or frustration.
- Choosing a time and place: If possible, it helps to choose a location that is familiar to everyone. That way, everyone involved is as relaxed and calm as possible during the intervention. If you can, try and plan for a time when your loved one will be sober. Most interventions usually last anywhere from a half hour to an hour and a half.
- Be prepared for a yes or no: Despite your best efforts, there is no guarantee what the outcome of an intervention will be. Everyone acts differently when confronted about their addiction. That’s why it’s important to use an intervention specialist who can help things stay calm and peaceful while giving you the best chance at getting your loved one into treatment.
What Happens After an Intervention?
As a family member or close friend, you should know that your work isn’t done after the intervention is held. You’ll want to remain an active part of your loved one’s recovery process so that they feel encouraged to stay in addiction treatment and avoid relapsing. This might also include changing some of your patterns to make everyday living easier, offering to take part in family counseling sessions, seeking your own therapist, and knowing what to do in case of a relapse.
Resources
- Is someone you love using opioids illegally or not as prescribed? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic.
