If you have a friend or a family member who is an addict, you may be wondering how to do an intervention effectively. An intervention is a planned event where friends, family members, coworkers, and other close contacts sit down an addict and firmly ask them to get help. If you have asked an addict in your life to get help multiple times without a positive response, you may want to try banding together with others to present an intervention.
Before planning an intervention, make sure that an intervention is in fact the best course of action. If you have not tried softer, gentler means, then you may not want to jump straight into an intervention. If the addict is potentially dangerous or violent, you should also avoid trying to plan an intervention.
Decide Who to Invite and When to Host the Intervention
When deciding who to invite to an intervention, you should focus on the people who have been directly impacted by the substance abuse. Make sure that people like children, parents, siblings, friends, and other close loved ones are able to attend and present their thoughts. It is not a social event, so avoid having any outside guests in attendance at the intervention.
Deciding when to have an intervention can be difficult. In general, you should try to schedule around the addict’s schedule first and the attendees’ schedules second. Pay attention to the habits of the addict who will be the subject of the intervention. Observe what days or times you can most easily get them to come along with you. You should also make sure that everyone who needs to be there is able to attend. Your loved ones may need to request a day off from work or use some paid time off in order to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Have a Rehab Plan Ready to Initiate
Well before the day of the intervention, you should have a clear plan written out. Make sure that you have arranged with a detox or rehab facility for potential intake. You should also make sure that you have arranged transportation to the intervention and to the detox or rehab facility.
You may want to work with an interventionist when planning an intervention for an addict in your life. Interventionists are specially trained to plan and execute interventions that go well. An interventionist can help you to create a plan before the intervention and to facilitate the intervention on the day of as well.
Be Patient and Loving, but Firm
When hosting an intervention, it can be difficult to avoid letting emotions get the best of you. You may be experiencing emotions like fear, anger, and loneliness. Express these emotions in a healthy way. Avoid screaming, name calling, or cursing during the intervention. Try your best to listen to the addict’s concerns and try to be as understanding as possible. Make sure that you express your thoughts from a place of love and concern, not a place of resentment.
Hosting an intervention involves setting firm boundaries. You cannot let the addict in question take control of the intervention or manipulate the way that it goes. Do not allow their emotions or pleas to sway you. They may try to convince you that things are fine. They may fly into a rage. No matter what happens, it is important that you are prepared to respond with firm boundaries. Do not change your boundaries in order to accommodate an angry addict’s emotions. Remind yourself that you are doing what is best for that person, even if they act like you are hurting them.
Unfortunately, you will also need to have a plan for if they say no. At an intervention, ultimatums are often presented. You may choose to cease contact with an addict or cut them off financially if they do not get help. Make sure that you know what your plan is for if the addict walks out of the intervention or does not agree to go to rehab. It is not the ideal outcome but it is one you need to be prepared for. Working with professionals can make the process easier. Ready to get started? Call us today at 614-705-0611.