An intervention is a structured process that can help someone struggling with addiction to seek help. It is typically organized by family or friends of the addicted individual, though sometimes professional interventionists are called on for extra support. The intention of an intervention is to start an honest conversation about the person's addiction and its consequences, in order to encourage them to get treatment.
The Goals of an Intervention
Interventions have a few key goals:
First, they aim to educate family members and the addict alike about addiction and its effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Second, they intend to provide a safe environment for all participants so that everyone feels supported enough to express their feelings honestly without fear of judgement or repercussions.
Third, interventions should establish clear boundaries for everyone involved and make sure that everyone agrees on the expectations for the addict’s behavior going forward.
Finally, interventions should provide a clear plan with steps for how all parties can help the addicted individual get treatment and stay healthy.
The Intervention Process
An intervention typically involves four major steps:
- Preparation
- Gathering information.
- Having a face-to-face meeting with the addict.
- Following up after the intervention has happened.
During the preparation phase, those organizing the intervention should familiarize themselves with addiction as well as possible treatments and resources available.
During the information gathering phase, it is important to assess any risks associated with holding an intervention (for example if there are any safety concerns).
During the face-to-face meeting itself, family members or friends share how they have been affected by watching their loved one struggle with their addiction while also expressing unconditional love and support for them in seeking treatment going forward (this part often involves reading letters aloud).
How Does an Intervention Work?
The first step in conducting an effective intervention is finding a qualified professional who specializes in addictions. This professional will be able to provide guidance on the best approach for your specific situation and can also help facilitate the intervention itself.
“We like to say, ‘interventions are a process, not an event.’ A certified and experienced Interventionist can prepare and guide the family through the journey and can make a huge difference in the outcome. Our goal is to help the addicted person and the family find recovery and healing.” - Bruce Lupin, Interventionist and Partner at Entelechy Recovery Group
Once you have found someone who you trust, they will work with you and your family to plan every detail of the intervention including who should be present, what type of language should be used during the actual meeting, etc. so that everything goes as smoothly as possible on the day of the intervention.
During the actual meeting, each participant will take turns talking about their experiences with the individual's addiction, explaining how it has affected them personally. The goal is for everyone involved to express their love and concern for their loved one while making clear that substance abuse is not acceptable behavior. Once all participants have had a chance to speak, it will then be up to the addicted individual to decide whether they accept help. If they agree to seek treatment, then arrangements can be made immediately following the meeting.
When conducting an intervention for a loved one, it is important to approach the situation with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Focus on expressing your love and concern for the person and avoid criticizing or blaming them. It may also be helpful to enlist the help of a professional interventionist or counselor who can guide you through the process and offer support and resources.
Potential Risks
While interventions can be successful, there are several potential risks and challenges that can arise, including:
Resistance
Be prepared for resistance. It is important to be prepared for the possibility that your loved one may resist the intervention. Anticipate potential objections or pushback and have a plan in place for how to respond. Your intervention counselor will have experience in this and can advise you on how to proceed.
Emotional volatility
The person may become emotional during the intervention, which can lead to arguments, outbursts, or even violence.
Enabling
Family members or loved ones may inadvertently enable the person's addiction by protecting them from the consequences of their behavior or offering financial support.
Lack of preparation
The intervention may not be properly planned or executed, which can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and a lack of clarity about the next steps.
Lack of follow-up
Even if the person agrees to seek treatment, there may be a lack of follow-up or ongoing support to ensure that they are able to maintain their sobriety.
Conclusion
Interventions can be difficult conversations to have but they are invaluable tools in helping someone struggling from addiction understand that there is hope in seeking help. With proper education on addiction as well as planning ahead of time for what will occur during an intervention meeting itself, it can be much easier for family members both emotionally and logistically when confronting their loved one about getting treatment. Though interventions may not always work perfectly every time, they remain powerful tools in helping those suffering from addiction move towards a healthier life free from drugs or alcohol.
Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.
