What is an Intervention?
An intervention is a carefully planned process involving family and friends who gather to confront a loved one about their substance use problems and how it has affected their lives. The goal of an intervention is to help the person struggling with addiction recognize the consequences of their behavior and accept treatment. While a brief intervention may be handled at home, a more formal intervention is often conducted with the guidance of a professional interventionist, social worker, or addiction specialist.
Signs That an Intervention May Be Necessary
It can be difficult to know when it’s time to stage an intervention for a loved one struggling with addiction. Some signs that an intervention may be necessary include:
- The person’s alcohol or drug use is causing problems in their relationships, work, or school
- The person has experienced legal or financial consequences due to their alcoholism and drug dependence
- The person’s physical or mental health is deteriorating due to their addiction
- The person has been unable to quit or reduce their substance use on their own
Planning a Successful Intervention
Planning a successful intervention requires careful preparation and coordination among family members and friends. Here are some steps to follow when planning an intervention:
Gather Information
Before staging an intervention, it’s important to gather information about the person’s addiction and how it has affected their life and the lives of those around them. This may involve talking to other family members, friends, or coworkers who have witnessed the person’s behavior.
Consult with a Professional
Consulting with an addiction specialist, mental health counselor, or intervention professional can help ensure that the intervention is conducted in a safe and effective manner. A professional can provide guidance on how to approach the person, what to say, and how to handle potential reactions.
Form an Intervention Team
Those leading the intervention should consist of close family members and friends who care about the person struggling with addiction. It’s important to choose team members who can remain calm and supportive throughout the process.
Plan What to Say
Each member of the intervention group should plan what they want to say to the person during the intervention. This may include expressing concerns about the person’s substance abuse, sharing how their behavior has affected them personally, and offering support for seeking treatment.
Choose a Time and Place
The intervention should be held at a time and place where the person will be sober and able to focus on the conversation. It’s important to choose a neutral location where everyone can feel comfortable and safe.
During the Intervention
During the intervention, each team member should take turns expressing their concerns and feelings to the person struggling with addiction. It’s important to remain calm and avoid blaming or shaming the person. The goal is to show the person that their loved ones care about them and want to support them in seeking treatment.
What if the Person Refuses Treatment?
In some cases, the person may refuse to seek treatment even after an intervention. It’s important to have a plan in place for this scenario, such as setting boundaries and consequences for continued substance abuse. The intervention team may also need to seek support for themselves through therapy.
Types of Treatment for Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Illness
Inpatient Treatment
There are several types of treatment options available for individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring severe mental illness, including:
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a residential facility for a period of time to receive intensive therapy and support. This type of treatment is often recommended for individuals with severe addiction or co-occurring mental disorders.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient care allows individuals to receive therapy and support while continuing to live at home and attend work or school. This type of treatment may be recommended for individuals with mild to moderate addiction issues.
Support Groups
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a community of support for individuals in recovery. These groups offer regular meetings where members can share their experiences with drug abuse and alcohol use disorder and support one another. These meetings can be found on the AA website and the NA website.
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The Role of Family and Friends in Recovery
Family and friends play an important role in supporting a loved one’s recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction. Here are some ways to offer support:
Educate Yourself
Learning about substance abuse, addiction, and recovery can help you better understand what your loved one is going through and how to support them. There are numerous online resources available that provide information, including Smart Recovery. The Smart Recovery Website provides individuals with a broad range of educational tools to help better support addiction recovery.
Encourage Treatment
Encourage your loved one to seek professional treatment and offer to help them find a program that meets their needs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a treatment locator tool that allows individuals to seek out treatment that meets their needs – including treatment centers that are close to home.
Attend Therapy with Family Members
Participating in family therapy sessions can help improve communication and relationships within the family and support the person in recovery. Not only can you address underlying factors that may be contributing to an individual’s struggle with addiction, but you can also address unhealthy dynamics and discuss ways to help improve relationships overall, increasing the chance for long-term recovery.
Practice Self-Care
Supporting a loved one through recovery can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to take care of your own mental and physical health and seek support if needed. Therapy or support group meetings both provide peer support from others who are in similar situations.
Know When To Get Professional Support
Staging an intervention can be a powerful way to encourage a loved one struggling with substance abuse and addiction to seek help. By gathering family and friends, expressing concerns and support, and offering resources for recovery, an intervention can be the first step towards a healthier future. Remember, recovery is a journey that requires ongoing support and commitment from the individual and their loved ones.
If you or a family member is struggling with substance use disorder, sometimes professional help may be necessary. At our San Diego drug rehab, we provide individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs, circumstances, and recovery goals. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our treatment program and to get started on the road to recovery. You can call us at (888) 291-7388 or contact us via our online form.
