An addiction intervention is a profound act of love, signaling concern and a desire to help. It’s essential to approach it with compassion, understanding, and patience. With the right planning and support, an intervention can be the pivotal step guiding a loved one towards recovery. Below are a few things to keep in mind and guide your family addiction intervention.
Addiction Intervention: 10 Things You Should Understand
- Understand the Purpose: Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what an intervention is – a structured conversation where loved ones express concerns about someone’s drug or alcohol use and its impact. The goal isn’t confrontation but to offer support and a solution in the form of treatment.
- Build a Caring Support Team: Determine who should be present during the intervention. This could include close family, friends, colleagues, or religious leaders. Ideally, participants should be those whom the individual trusts and respects. Avoid including people with unresolved personal issues with the individual, as this could derail the process.
- Consult a Professional: Seek guidance from an intervention specialist or therapist with experience in addiction at Fountain Hills Recovery or at a treatment center near you. We can offer advice, help prepare participants, and even mediate during the intervention, ensuring that the conversation remains constructive.
- Choose the Right Time and Place: How do I know its the right time and place? Select a location where the person feels comfortable and safe. Avoid moments when they are heavily intoxicated or in crisis, as they’re less likely to be receptive.
- Prepare Statements: Each participant should prepare a brief, personal statement. This should detail specific instances when the addiction affected them and emphasize their concern and love for the individual. Avoid using blame language; focus on “I” statements, like “I felt hurt when…” rather than “You did this…”.
- Offer a Treatment Solution That’s Positive and Actionable: Research treatment options in advance, whether it’s detox, rehab, therapy, or support groups. Have a plan ready for immediate action, like a pre-booked treatment slot. The aim is to eliminate any barriers to them saying yes.
- Anticipate Objections: Be prepared for resistance. This is going to be an emotional event for everyone involved. The individual may be in denial about their addiction or its consequences. By anticipating potential objections, you can offer calm, factual counter-arguments.
- Set Boundaries and Consequences:If the person refuses treatment, establish clear boundaries to protect yourself and others. This might mean restricting financial support, limiting time spent with them, or other measures. While it can be tough, it’s crucial to stick to these boundaries.
- Choose a Moderator: Appoint someone (ideally a third party professional consultant) to guide the intervention. They can keep the conversation on track, ensure everyone gets a chance to speak, and de-escalate any tension.
- Follow Through: If your loved one agrees to treatment, assist with the logistics—like transport or childcare. Post-intervention, support doesn’t end. Engage in family therapy, join support groups, and educate yourself about addiction.
A Family Intervention Guide
Setting up an addiction intervention can be a difficult process. It is important to get help from professionals who have extensive experience and can guide the addiction intervention. At Fountain Hills Recovery, we can help to create a plan for the intervention and provide guidance on how to approach the situation.
How to Stage an Alcohol or Drug Abuse Intervention
It starts with just one phone call to Fountain Hills Recovery. We’ll work with you to determine the right & best next steps for you and your family, regardless of whether we are the right treatment center. Our goal at Fountain Hills Recovery is to help people overcome addiction and mental health disorders to live a sober and more fulfilled life.
