Initiating Change: When to Stage an Intervention to Help a Loved One Who’s Struggling With Addiction

One of the hardest things to do is to watch a loved one on a self-destructive cycle. When that cycle is based on a drug or alcohol addiction, there’s a physical part that only they can overcome.

Nearly half of the world’s population have had a friend or loved one that has had a serious addiction problem. If you fall in these stats, the silver lining is that there are lots of people who can give you good advice.

Staging an intervention with your loved one who is struggling with addiction is probably your best first step. But knowing when to do it requires finesse and careful timing. These tips will help you initiate change without waiting until it’s too late.

A Guide to Addiction Intervention

You’ve probably seen it on TV and in movies. The loved ones gather around the addict, tell him or her about their concerns, and they all shed some tears and hug. The addict goes into a drug and alcohol rehab program, and everyone lives happily ever after.

The reality is usually less sparkly. Addicts typically get defensive when they are confronted with their bad habits. If you’re not careful, an intervention can turn into an argument that gives the addict another reason to continue their downward spiral.

Follow these tips as you begin to stage your intervention:

• Have a plan. Spontaneous interventions almost never work out. There is a lot of potential for explosive emotions on your side and theirs. Talk to an addiction professional or a qualified mental health counselor to organize your intervention effectively.
• Get knowledgeable. Once you know what the drug is that your loved one is dealing with, learn about what it does to the body. Some drugs impact the brain in significant ways that make the user irrational. Find out the treatment options and any rehab programs in your area.
• Choose the participants. Who participates in the intervention should be carefully chosen. There are people who love your friend or family member as you do, but are known to rub them the wrong way. Whoever is in your group should be knowledgeable, firm, and compassionate. Non-family members are often used in order to keep the conversation focused on facts instead of emotions.
• Come up with boundaries and consequences. Boundaries are essential when you’re dealing with an addict. Let them know what you won’t accept any longer and what you expect them to do. Immediately quitting can be difficult for any addict. But they should take serious steps or they will have consequences from you and everyone else involved.
• Don’t ad lib your conversation. The intervention is going to be emotional, no matter how hard you try to stick to the facts. It will go easier if everyone who is joining writes down what they want to say, such as problems that the addict has caused them and an encouraging remark.
• Invite the loved one to the location. The addict should not know the real reason why they’re invited to the site. Once they get there, everyone can take turns letting them know why they are concerned. The group can then offer the agreed-upon solution to be accepted right then. Failure to do so will result in the consequences determined prior to the meeting.

After the intervention, your job isn’t over. Work with your group to create a rotating follow-up schedule to visit your loved one at the rehab center and after they are out. A support system is crucial to a successful recovery.

Planning the intervention is important in order for it to work. These steps, along with the help of a professional, will keep you on track. They’ll also prevent your loved one from feeling attacked and turning away from those who care.