An intervention is a structured and honest conversation between someone who is struggling, their loved ones, and a trained interventionist specialist. The goal of an intervention is to intervene in the life of someone who is addicted to substances with the hope of changing helping them. Interventions usually occur when people recognize that a loved one is spiraling out of control and want to do something to help. In a successful intervention, both parties will be able to speak constructively and openly about their feelings hoping the person who is struggling will take steps towards changing their behavior for the better.
It is essential that the intervention provides specific instances of destructive behaviors and how they affected the lives of the loved ones, outlines a treatment plan with clear goals and actions, and finally details the consequences of what will happen if the individual refuses to accept the treatment.
When should you intervene?
It may be hard to start a conversation about addiction with a loved one, especially when they tend to deny or diminish the problem. It can be hard to determine when is the right time to intervene because there is no “right” time.
Some of the most outward signs that it may be time for an intervention include:
Secretive behavior such as lying where they are going
Borrowing money or having extreme financial issues
Lack of personal hygiene or neglect of appearance
Decrease in energy or motivation
Aggressive and destructive behaviors
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How does an intervention work?
Interventions can be tailored to an individual's needs, but most follow a similar structure:
Contact an Intervention Specialist
Intervention specialists are trained to manage these situations, so contacting them should be the first step. Interventions conducted by family and friends alone are usually not successful and may make matters even worse. The intervention specialist will serve as a neutral party and open communication between everyone.
An intervention can bring up intense emotions such as anger or sadness, so this unbiased opinion is crucial. The specialist can help break through a person's denial, which is essential to staging a successful intervention.
Establish a plan with the intervention group
The intervention specialist will help create a plan that best serves the struggling person's needs. The specialist will work with all loved ones who want to be present for the intervention. Most intervention groups include parents, siblings, spouses or partners, co-workers, and close friends. Sometimes the person's children, grandparents, and other elderly family members will be present.
Learn and PREPARE the message
The next step is for family and friends to be educated on addiction and recovery. By learning about these topics, they will be able to address the individual with knowledge and compassion. Friends and family should prepare what they are going to say. It is very hard for a person struggling to realize how their actions affect others, but when loved ones are honest about their experiences, it can help break through denial.
Hold the intervention
The intervention should be held in a neutral, non-threatening location. Often lasting 30 to 90 minutes, family and friends will take turns speaking about their concerns and feelings. A treatment option will be offered and consequences if they do not commit to treatment. There is no guarantee that your loved one will agree to treatment, so it's important to remember the intervention is as much for you as it is for them.
Follow up
It is important to follow up with your loved one and make sure they follow through on any commitments made during the intervention. By establishing concrete next steps during the meeting time, the individual can be held accountable for their actions.
Best Strategies for Drug and Alcohol Interventions
An intervention should not be spontaneous. Time and effort must be put into an intervention to ensure success.
Try to plan the intervention's timing, so your loved one is least likely to be under the influence of any substances.
Research your loved one's addiction to understand their struggles.
Stage a rehearsal intervention and practice what you plan to say so the real thing will run smoothly.
Avoid getting angry during the intervention and address the individual with respect.
Are you struggling with how to approach an addict in your life? We are here for you, and we are here to help.