For many people, an intervention can be a necessary step in seeking treatment. Not everyone will need an intervention to acknowledge and treat their addiction. Still, if someone struggles with recognizing that they have a problem, an intervention can help them see how important it is that they change their behavior. Holding an intervention can be a nerve-racking experience for everyone involved, and without proper planning can do more harm than good.
What is an Intervention?
Watching a loved one go through addiction is a painful and scary experience; many of us may not know what we can do to help them. An intervention is one way to open a conversation with your loved one and inform them that you care for them while also making it clear that their addiction is not only harming them but the people around them. Interventions typically involve multiple people close to the person with an addiction, and each of these people will try to share their feelings with them. During an intervention, everyone involved must be well-prepared and honest with their loved ones while avoiding attacking them.
How Do I Prepare an Intervention?
Begin by identifying the people you think need to be there and then consider whether these people will be able to provide their support without judgment. Using shame or insults during the intervention will make it less effective and possibly turn the entire process into something that hurts the individual with addiction rather than helping them. Once you know who will be present at the intervention, advise everyone to research addiction, plan or write what they want to say, and prepare to be met with denial. An intervention aims to help your loved ones realize that they have a problem and get them into a place where they are ready to get treatment. Knowing exactly what you want to say and having concrete examples of how their addiction is harmful will help the intervention move smoothly and allow your loved one to understand your feelings better.
Are Interventions Supposed to be a Surprise?
Even though it may feel wrong to catch your loved one off guard, an intervention can’t work if they know it’s going to happen. Letting them know ahead of time can allow them to avoid being there and make excuses for why they can’t come. It can be startling to be confronted by a group of people suddenly and may cause your loved one to feel as if they are being attacked. This is why it’s crucial that your intervention team is supportive and that there aren’t individuals there who will make the environment aggressive.
Plan to immediately let your loved one know what’s going on and why the intervention is being held. Assure them that it’s because you are trying to help them. In addition to the intervention being unexpected, it’s essential to find a time and a day where you know that your loved one doesn’t have other obligations and won’t be under the influence as the intervention occurs.
Is the Setting Important?
The easiest thing to do may seem like holding the intervention at your home or the home of your addicted loved one, but these environments can be less effective. Being in a familiar space may trigger bad memories or remind them of the substance they use. Choose an open space where everyone can feel more comfortable speaking. Your environment should also be private; having unexpected guests show up can cause tension and make your loved one feel more exposed.
Churches and therapist’s offices are common and helpful spaces to hold interventions. Spaces like these are often comfortable while still offering a level of formality, and utilizing a church or therapist’s office may also mean that a religious leader or mental health professional is present. Your loved one may be more open to opinions from a respected or professional individual, and they can also offer unbiased opinions as well as mediating skills.
What Should I Plan to Say?
The most important part of an intervention is making your voice heard and allowing your loved one to see your perspective. Make it clear to your loved one that they have an addiction. Inform them of the negative impacts their addiction has based on both anecdotal evidence and medical research, reassure them that you are only trying to help them, and have a specific plan or outline to show them options for treatment.
Researching addiction, addiction treatment, and places where your loved one can receive treatment are crucial to an intervention. Do your best to get them to agree to seek treatment while the intervention is happening and have your suggested treatment options ready. Entering treatment immediately following the intervention can help your loved one keep the momentum of their decision and prevent them from changing their mind afterward. Meet with the other people who will be at the intervention beforehand to figure out what order you will speak in and that what you all plan to say is consistent. Finally, make sure to assert your boundaries and inform your loved ones that there may be consequences to your relationship if they don’t seek help.
Holding an intervention has the potential to help your loved one seek treatment for their addiction. By being open and honest, you can let your loved ones know that you care for them and help them see the impact of their addiction on themself and those around them. One of the most critical parts of an intervention is having a solid plan to suggest to your loved one and treatment options. If you or someone you love is seeking a treatment center, call Rancho Milagro at (951) 526-4582 to learn more about our facility. Rancho Milagro offers addiction treatment for multiple substances, and our services include inpatient care and detox for those who qualify. At Rancho Milagro, you will find a team that is committed to your recovery and a personalized plan of treatment to fit your specific needs. We believe in treating the entire person, mind, body, and spirit.