An intervention is essentially a last-ditch effort to convince a loved one to enter treatment for addiction. By this point, you’ve already discussed your concerns with your loved one and given her a chance to change. Despite your support and encouragement, you haven’t seen any improvement and so you feel like you have to try something more forceful. There are different theories about how an intervention should go. The model most people are familiar with is when family and friends surprise the person with addiction and read a prepared statement about how the person’s addiction has hurt her and others. Some people believe this method is too confrontational and may force the person with addiction into a defensive position. This camp believes it’s better to invite the person to her intervention and focus on group dynamics rather than just the addiction. Even if she decides not to show up, her family and friends may be able to make some progress in terms of creating a healthier social environment and not enabling her addiction. Regardless of what approach you prefer, there are certain necessary components for a successful intervention.
An experienced intervention counselor
The first and most important component of an intervention is an experienced intervention counselor. This is someone who has led successful interventions before and often someone who has, herself, struggled with addiction and received an intervention. The counselor helps formulate a workable plan and makes sure everyone is on the same page. She advises people how to write their statements to be sure they are focused on the behavior and not on the person. She knows when to push and when to calm things down. Most people who want to stage an intervention for a loved one will not have had any experience doing that, so it’s a good idea to have a guide who has.
Friends and family
These should be people the addicted person cares about, and whose opinion she cares about. These should be credible people who also care about the addicted person. When you only have one person confronting you about addiction, there’s always room to be evasive, claiming that person’s concerns are exaggerated, or that she wants to control you, or whatever else. When you have several people close to you all saying together that your behavior is destructive, you have to be more open to the possibility that your behavior is actually destructive.
Leverage
Sometimes people are moved by hearing how their addiction has hurt their loved ones and they agree to get treatment because they value those relationships. However, often people only agree to get help when they see there’s no other option. That means the people staging the intervention should have some leverage to apply. That could be a spouse threatening a divorce, a parent threatening to kick her out of the house, or a boss threatening to fire her. Leverage also increases the likelihood that she will follow through with treatment after the guilt and remorse caused by the intervention has subsided.
A plan
If the intervention does work, it’s crucial to know what’s next. You don’t want your loved one to have a big epiphany, then sit around for a week or two while you research treatment options. By the time you stage the intervention, she should already have a spot booked at a quality treatment center, and a bag packed waiting for her.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or a mental health issue, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
