Staging an intervention is a tough but potentially life-saving step for helping a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. It’s those closest to the person suffering from addiction that can have the most impact, and seeing the pain they are bringing on friends and family is often the tough wake-up call an addict needs.

Interventions are designed to help an addict see the severity of their addiction and motivate them to seek professional treatment. This can be a major first step in an addict’s path to recovery, so it’s important to plan it out carefully! Speaking from experience, it can really help someone see the ugly truth about their addiction, so we want to make sure this pivotal moment is planned well!

It’s important to recognize that whether the addiction is alcohol, drugs, gambling, porn, food, or anything else, addicts tend to behave in the same way regarding their addictions. So whatever your loved one is struggling with, an intervention can help.

Understanding Interventions

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a structured conversation involving family, friends, and sometimes professionals aimed at encouraging someone to seek help for their substance abuse. It is an opportunity to show the individual the impact of their addiction on themselves and those around them, while also offering a plan for recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, interventions can be a crucial step in helping someone start their journey toward recovery.

Why Are Interventions Important?

Addiction often impairs judgment, leading individuals to deny or minimize the impact of their substance use. Many addicts live in a delusion that their addiction isn’t that bad, or that it’s well hidden, or even that they don’t have a problem at all. An intervention brings together a support system to communicate the reality of the situation in a compassionate but firm way. It’s a way to break through denial and help the individual see the need for change. Without intervention, addiction can continue to worsen, impacting the person’s physical health, mental well-being, and relationships.

Preparing for the Intervention

1. Assemble the Intervention Team

Choose a group of people who are close to the individual and have been directly affected by their behavior. This group is usually their closest friends and family members. It’s important that each person is able to communicate with empathy and concern, rather than anger or judgment. Avoid including people with strained relationships with the person, as this can lead to increased tension. It’s also important not to include anyone whose participation in the intervention could further harm the addict. For example, including a co-worker may lead to their addiction becoming known at their job and getting them fired. This will overshadow the good work you are trying to do.

2. Seek Professional Help

A professional interventionist can guide the process, helping to make sure that the intervention is done in a manner that is both supportive and effective. Intervention specialists are trained to handle the complexities of addiction and can provide strategies for managing the individual’s potential reactions. The Association of Intervention Specialists can help you find a certified professional in your area.

3. Gather Information on Addiction

Educate yourself and the team about the nature of addiction and the specific substances involved. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and effects of addiction will help you articulate your concerns more effectively. Additionally, research treatment options and have a plan ready to present during the intervention. This plan may include inpatient or outpatient programs, counseling, or detox services.

4. Plan the Intervention

Choose a private, neutral location where the person will feel safe and free from distractions. Develop a clear, structured plan that outlines what will be said and the order in which participants will speak. Each member of the team should prepare to share personal stories about how the individual’s addiction has affected them. These statements should be rehearsed in advance to ensure they are communicated in a non-confrontational manner.

Executing the Intervention

5. Rehearse the Intervention

Practice is crucial for a successful intervention. Rehearse the intervention with the team to ensure that everyone is comfortable with what they will say. This rehearsal will help keep the conversation on track and prevent it from devolving into a confrontation. The intervention should be direct yet compassionate, focusing on the individual’s well-being rather than placing blame.

6. Conducting the Intervention

When the intervention takes place, maintain a calm and loving tone. Begin by expressing your care and concern for the individual. Each participant should then take turns sharing their prepared statements. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory, such as “I have noticed that when you drink, you become more distant” instead of “You are ruining your life with drinking.” It’s important to make the addict feel like the intervention is coming from a genuine place of care and concern for their wellbeing, rather than feeling attacked. 

7. Present the Treatment Plan

Have a concrete treatment plan ready to present, including specific options for the individual to consider. Be prepared to discuss the details of these options, such as the location of treatment centers, the duration of programs, and how the process will work. Providing this information shows that you have taken the time to research and are serious about helping them find a solution. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline that can assist in finding local treatment resources.

8. Set Boundaries

If the individual refuses to accept help, it’s important to set boundaries to protect yourself and others. These boundaries may include cutting off financial support, restricting contact, or taking other steps to avoid enabling their behavior. Setting clear consequences helps reinforce the seriousness of the situation and the need for change.

It can be very tough to set boundaries for someone you love, when you know it will make their life harder. However, this is the best way to help them. People are rarely willing to change if there are not consequences and their life still feels like it is going well. It’s hard, but tough love is truly the best kind of love for an addict to receive. 

After the Intervention

9. Offering Ongoing Support

If the person agrees to seek help, the role of the intervention team does not end there. Recovery is an ongoing process that requires support and encouragement. Stay involved by offering to attend family therapy sessions, support groups, or helping with logistical aspects like transportation to treatment. Your continued involvement can provide a sense of stability and encouragement during the recovery process.

10. Understanding Relapse

Recovery is a journey that may include setbacks. Understanding that relapse can be part of the process is important. If relapse occurs, use it as an opportunity to reassess and support the individual in returning to treatment. Remaining non-judgmental and supportive can help the person feel comfortable seeking help again if needed.

11. Seeking Support for Yourself

Supporting someone with an addiction can be emotionally exhausting. It’s crucial to take care of your own mental health during this process. Consider joining a support group for families of those with substance abuse issues, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon. These groups provide a space to share experiences and gain insight from others facing similar challenges.

Resistance to the Intervention

12. Dealing with Resistance

During the intervention, the person may react with anger, denial, or resistance. They might refuse to acknowledge their addiction or reject the treatment plan. It’s important to remain calm and focused, reiterating your concern for their well-being. While the immediate outcome may not be positive, the intervention may still plant a seed that encourages them to seek help later.

13. Ensuring Safety

If there is a risk of the individual becoming violent or self-harming, take precautions. A professional interventionist can help assess these risks and provide strategies to manage them. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to involve authorities or have a plan to contact emergency services if the situation escalates.

14. Being Prepared for Any Outcome

Interventions are unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee of immediate success. Be prepared for any outcome, including the possibility that the person may not be ready to accept help. Regardless of the outcome, the intervention team should stay committed to providing ongoing support and encouraging the individual to seek treatment when they are ready.

Alternative Approaches to an Intervention

15. Motivational Interviewing

If a formal intervention seems too confrontational, motivational interviewing (MI) may be an alternative. MI is a counseling approach that helps individuals explore their own reasons for wanting to change. By engaging in a non-confrontational dialogue, MI can help increase the individual’s motivation to consider treatment. This method has been shown to be effective in helping individuals with substance abuse issues consider change (Miller & Rollnick, 2012).

16. Support Groups and Peer Engagement

Encouraging your loved one to attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide them with a network of peers who understand their struggles. Hearing stories of recovery from others can offer hope and demonstrate that change is possible.

Conclusion

Staging an intervention is a courageous and compassionate step in helping a loved one confront their substance abuse and take the first step toward recovery. Through careful planning, support from professionals, and a structured approach, you can create an environment that encourages the individual to acknowledge their addiction and seek help. Remember, recovery is a long-term process that requires patience, support, and understanding. Your role as a supportive ally can make a significant difference in your loved one’s journey to sobriety.