When a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it can be difficult to help them realize how harmful their dangerous habit is. Convincing them to go for help can be a daunting task, because they are often in denial and refuse to acknowledge their problem.
Aside from the fact that addiction damages the physical and mental health of the addict and thus shortens their lives, the loved ones of the addict are negatively affected in a real way too. People addicted to drugs and alcohol will display behaviors like impulsive, irrational actions, lack of responsibility, and drastic mood swings. Parents, spouses, children, friends, and workmates can all be concerned for, and suffering from the addicted individual - all at the same time.
An alcohol intervention, opioid intervention, or drug intervention is when a group of the family and/or friends of a person suffering from substance use disorder join forces to stop the negative behaviors. They plan a meeting and invite their loved one. At the meeting, they each describe how the harmful behaviors of the addict impacted them personally, and they then demand that he or she goes for professional help. The family and friends have a clear, detailed recovery plan which the addict must follow. The goal is to be firm yet loving and supportive, and to show the struggling individual that there is a path to recovery and an addiction-free life.
Is intervention a Good Idea?
The real question is - when is an intervention needed? An intervention can be a powerful tool for ending negative behaviors and promoting recovery, but only if it’s really necessary. If a serious talk by a family member, friend, mentor, religious guide, or therapist is enough to convince a person suffering from substance use disorder to get clean, then that route should definitely be tried first. An intervention should be a last resort, to be used only when there is consistent denial of the problem at hand and a lack of willingness to change.
Who to Invite on the Intervention Team?
A typical intervention includes between 4-6 people who the person battling addiction loves, respects, or depends on. This includes family members, friends, workmates, or mentors. Screen the subjects carefully before extending an invitation.
Do NOT invite:
- Someone whom the subject of the intervention dislikes
- Someone who may derail and ruin the intervention
- Someone who may have an unmanaged addiction or mental health issue,
- Anyone who used drugs or alcohol together with the subject of the intervention.
Planning an Intervention – Steps to Success
We all want to set ourselves up for success when planning an intervention, to make sure that our efforts will result in the outcome we want. But before we lay out the steps to success, let’s define “success”. What does a “successful” intervention mean? Is it that our loved one will get and stay sober for the rest of our lives? We definitely hope and pray that that happens, but it’s critical to be realistic. “Success” in terms of an intervention means getting your loved one to agree to treatment – no more, and no less. So the moment you hear them utter a “yes”, be prepared to stop talking and start moving. The intervention was successful; you achieved your goal. It is critical not to waste time, as those battling SUD are not in the best mental state and can change their minds in a moment.
Next, let's outline the steps to a successful intervention.
- Work with a professional.
When planning an intervention, it is always a good idea to speak to an addiction specialist.
Some examples would be:- An alcohol intervention specialist
- A psychologist
- A psychiatrist
- A mental health counselor
- A social worker
- A licensed professional counselor
There are also drug and alcohol intervention programs which employ professionals who understand addiction and how it affects the loved ones of the addict. They can guide you through the process of a successful intervention.
- Form a group and set a date.
Find the people closest to the person struggling and ask them to join the intervention. Such people would include parents, siblings, neighbors, schoolmates, or close friends – people who are genuinely close to the addict and have felt the impact of their substance abuse.
Set a designated date, time, and location for the meeting. Be sure to schedule for a time when the addicted individual will be sober, as attempting to reason with an inebriated/ high person is usually futile. - Research and form a plan of action.
Learn about the addiction as much as you possibly can. Research different treatment options, rehab programs, and addiction specialists. Make a detailed recovery plan, which will include:- Treatment program – Choose which rehab center the struggling individual will attend. Research which rehab centers best treat the addiction they are battling, and would be a good fit for them.
- Financial arrangements – Decide who will pay for rehab, and how (commercial insurance/ government insurance/ private pay).
- Travel arrangements – Plan how exactly the individual will get to rehab, whether by car, train, bus, or plane. Book the plane/ bus/ train ticket, arrange a chaperone, or designate a driver ahead of time.
- Personal Details – Make sure the individual’s suitcase is packed with all they need before you begin the intervention, so you are ready to go the moment they say “yes”. Consult with the treatment center to find out what you should pack, and what is/ is not allowed.
- Admissions – If the treatment center allows, complete the admissions process ahead of time so that the struggling individual can enter the program as quickly and smoothly as possible once they arrive.
Have one person serve as the point of reference between all the team members in order to keep everyone updated.
- Write down what you’ll say.
Prepare notes on what to say at the intervention. Practice using ‘I’ statements, expressing personal emotions and hurt, and staying away from blame and insults. Discuss how each group member has been affected by the abuser’s behavior - emotionally, financially, or even physically.
Remember that the subject of the intervention is in a delicate mental and emotional state, and may become emotional, angry, hostile, or even downright violent. Anticipate any scenario and prepare to remain calm, firm, and unyielding. - Create consequences.
Every member of the intervention team must prepare a consequence for the subject of the intervention, should they choose not to go ahead with the recovery plan. Make sure that every team member is fully prepared to carry out their consequences should the need arise. The point is to end codependency and enable behaviors that allow the addiction to continue.
Examples of consequences could include a spouse warning to move out of the house or a boss explaining the real possibility of termination. - Be supportive.
Every member of the intervention should come up with a concrete way in which they will offer support throughout the struggling individual’s recovery. If the plan is to encourage attendance at AA meetings after rehab, offer to drive them there. If the plan is to attend a rehab center, offer to take care of the children while they are gone.
Showing practical support is a wonderful way to make the subject feel cared for and capable of making a real change. - Rehearse the intervention.
An intervention can invite a lot of complex emotions, such as anger, self-pity, and blame. Rehearsing in advance will help to avoid complications and unexpected meltdowns. It will allow every member of the group to arrive composed, increasing the chances for the intervention to be a positive experience for all involved.
What to Do at the Intervention
During the actual meeting, every team member should have already rehearsed what they will say. The intervention specialist will often be the one hosting the intervention, especially if the subject of the intervention has a history of violence/ serious mental illness or is at risk of committing suicide. The specialist can also ensure that the meeting stays on track, and doesn’t get derailed by anger, emotion, blame, or insults.
Invite your loved one struggling with substance use disorder, without revealing the reason for the meeting. Every member of the team should be given a turn to express their feelings and explain how the loved one’s behaviors are disruptive and harmful to them. The addict is then presented with a treatment plan and told that they must accept it immediately. Don’t give him or her a chance to think about it, as it can lose momentum! Then, each group member explains the consequences that will occur should they refuse to accept the recovery plan.
It is vital to follow up on the consequences that were planned in advance in the event of refusal. Failure to follow through will only greatly diminish the likelihood of recovery.
What NOT to Do at an Intervention
Now that we’ve discussed all of the DO’s of an intervention, let’s run through some DON’TS. Things to avoid when planning an intervention include:
- Don’t hold the intervention at home. This allows the addict to retreat to his bedroom/bathroom easily, and the conversation can become more emotional. Rather, opt to hold the meeting at a public venue or at a specialist’s office.
- Don’t plan the intervention for a time when they will be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They will not be coherent or rational, and will be in the wrong frame of mind for such an intense meeting.
- Don’t arrive at the intervention unprepared. Plan in detail the order of when each team member will talk, what each member will say, and the general flow of the meeting.
- Don’t blame, get angry, or use accusatory labels like ‘addict’ or ‘alcoholic.’ Stick to the facts and the negative emotional effect that the addict has caused to every member. Humiliation, guilt, and blame will never achieve the desired results. Additionally, recovery can only take place when the addict is fully supported by their loved ones.
- Don’t allow the terms of the recovery plan to become negotiable. The intervention subject must reply ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the plan and may not bargain for more time, money, or accommodations.
Expecting the Outcome
Very often, the interventions portrayed in the media show immediate acceptance of the treatment plan, without pushback or protest. This is not always reality. It’s important to expect any reaction, and to plan to remain calm and composed regardless of the situation. Demand a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. The subject of the intervention may stall for time, bargain, argue about what was said at the meeting, break down sobbing, or react violently. Once again, if he or she refuses the treatment plan, every team member must immediately carry out the planned consequences that were discussed at the meeting.
Different types of Interventions
There are six different types of intervention models that one may choose to follow:
- Crisis intervention: This method usually involves the police offering clinical resources - such as a rehab center - to the addict. This method is used both for substance use disorders or for a mental health disorder.
- Brief intervention: This is a one-on-one meeting between the addicted individual and a medical professional. These drug interventions typically take place in the hospital (after an overdose or other medical scare), in the doctors’ office (when an exam reveals harm to the body because of the substance use disorder), or at school (when they suspect their student is abusing substances).
- The Johnson Model: In this model, loved ones plan the intervention, as outlined above. They show support and love, while still insisting on acceptance of the treatment plan or facing the planned consequences.
- ARISE: This method is similar to the Johnson model, but involves the entire family and is less confrontational.
- SMART: This stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound. This model is sometimes used for a community intervention, or can be adapted as the follow-up for the Johnson model of intervention.
- Family systemic intervention: This is an intervention that addresses the whole family of the addict, urging them to receive individual or family therapy and other support. This can change codependent behavioral patterns, ultimately encouraging them to receive help.
Intervention Tips
- Firstly, it’s extremely important to work together as a team. Be sure that every team member is clear about every stage of the intervention and updated on any changes prior to the meeting.
- It’s also really important to present a solid, well-developed treatment plan. Do your research thoroughly and speak to qualified and experienced addiction professionals. Find out which rehab centers have the highest success rate, if the addicted person has insurance that will cover the cost of rehab, and if you can complete the admissions process (such as evaluation, placement, and insurance pre-certification) ahead of time.
- Anticipate the arguments of the subject of the intervention, and have a clear, calm, and rational response to counter them.
- Remember that the outcome is not guaranteed to be positive. Prepare yourself not to be disappointed – don’t lose hope! Even if this intervention is unsuccessful, there are other steps that family and friends can take to stop enabling behaviors and encourage their loved one to seek help.
Conclusion
When a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it affects everyone around them. In order to save a loved one struggling with addiction, as well as protect those around them, every measure should be taken - including an intervention if all else fails. An intervention can be painful and may even feel cruel, but in reality, it is an expression of true love and the first step towards recovery and healing. Plan the intervention well and make sure to have a solid recovery plan in place, involving a reputable rehab center with a high success rate.
With advance planning and real investment, your efforts will bear fruit!
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery Center to speak to a skilled and friendly treatment specialist who can guide you through your options and find the program best suited to you.
You can begin your journey home as soon as today!