Interventions
Staging an Intervention for Your Loved One
Substance abuse and addiction is a disease that affects almost 20 million Americans each year. Yet, alcohol and drug use disorders do not only affect the individual; they affect the entire family, as well as the individual’s friends and co-workers. It can be difficult for the individual to reach out for help. However, an intervention can be an effective tool for convincing them that now is the time to seek treatment.
What is an intervention?
An intervention is often thought of as an event during which family and friends take turns discussing the consequences of their loved one’s addiction and urging the individual to undergo treatment. While this is true, it may be more accurate to think of an intervention as a process. It requires meticulous planning and careful reflection by the participants.
The goals of an intervention are as follows:
- To help the individual understand the true impact of their addiction on those around them
- To connect the individual to a prearranged addiction treatment plan at a treatment center such as IBH
- To explain to the individual the predetermined consequences that will occur if the individual does not agree to accept treatment
How can I know if it’s the right time to stage an intervention?
It’s often thought that a person must hit rock bottom before they are ready to accept addiction treatment. Unfortunately, the belief that things must get worse before they can get any better is a potentially damaging misconception. It means that the individual is only going to acquire more self-inflicted physical, emotional, cognitive, financial, and legal damage. In actuality, the best time to stage an intervention is before the situation gets out of hand. Remember that if you wait too long, it may be too late, as addictions can become deadly.
How should I prepare for an effective intervention?
First, speak with an addiction professional at IBH. Our compassionate therapists can support you and offer practical guidance. Next, gather willing participants—family members and friends who have been affected in some way by your loved one’s substance abuse. All of you will go through the following steps together:
- Information Gathering – Discuss the impact of the individual’s substance abuse on each of the participants. Take extensive notes (and bring them to the intervention). Decide what each person will say. Be detailed when describing specific incidents.
- Consequences – Each participant must decide what consequences will occur if the individual does not agree to undergo treatment. For instance, someone who lives with the individual may decide that the individual must move out unless they seek care.
- Treatment – An intervention is more effective if a treatment program has already been identified beforehand. During the intervention, the individual can learn about the treatment options available at IBH.
Remember that it’s important for each participant to stay calm and avoid raising their voices.
How can I find more help and support?
The professionals at Integrated Behavioral Health are here to support your entire family. We provide drug and alcohol use disorder evaluations and treatment plans designed to meet each individual patient’s needs. Contact one of our eight locations across Alabama today to begin forging a new path forward.