Seeking help for a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse can be quite challenging. Majorly because people who struggle with substance abuse or addictions are often in denial – they do not recognize the negative impact their substance misuse has on themselves and their loved ones. Hence, they are often not willing to seek treatment, and that’s where an intervention comes in. If you’re looking to help a loved one overcome their substance abuse, you can learn how to host an intervention at moving mountains recovery here.
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What Is an Intervention?
An intervention is a carefully planned meeting where family and friends have a calm and open conversation with a loved one battling with substance abuse to convince them to accept treatment.
The goal of an intervention is to:
- Create awareness – help a person see the adverse effects their substance abuse has on them, their friends, and family.
- Motivate them – Get them to agree that they have a problem and need professional help.
- Action – Create a plan for recovery with actionable goals and step-by-step guidelines.
Also, as part of the intervention, friends and family often warn their loved ones of the actions they would be taking if they should refuse treatment. For instance, they may say they would no longer hang out with them or perform certain fun activities with them anymore. This is to encourage them to accept treatment.
Types of Intervention
Simple Intervention
This is a casual or informal type of intervention. It simply involves a planned conversation between the addict and their loved ones. Simple interventions are usually more successful when they are carried out alone or with the help of an interventionist. Simple interventions are often led by someone the addict is very comfortable with.
Classic Intervention
This involves educating and counseling the members of the intervention team ahead of time. The addict is often not informed of the intervention plan as they may disappear before that time. Rather, they would be brought to the meeting without any prior information.
Family System Intervention
This intervention model is more beneficial to families that are struggling with enabling behaviors, codependency, and addiction. A family system intervention offers support to both the individual struggling with substance abuse and their close family to promote wholesome healing within the family. Because friends and family play a big role in the addict’s life, they are encouraged to receive counseling and therapy. If this is successful, getting individual treatment for the addict will be much easier.
Crisis Intervention
Also referred to as impromptu intervention, crisis interventions usually happen when a person poses a danger to themselves or others. Typical cases that may lead to crisis intervention include incidents of violence, self-harm, overdose, and so on. Crisis intervention often follows a tough-love approach which is aimed at helping a person to realize their addiction and its effects while also ensuring safety.
Tips To Ensure A Successful Intervention
Keep in mind that this phase will come with lots of heightened emotions – Anger, resentment, and conflict. To ensure a successful intervention, take note of the following tips.
● Plan carefully
Never hold an intervention in the heat of events. Rather, choose a time when the individual is less likely to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
● Have a lead speaker
Appoint someone who would speak for the team to avoid conflicting thoughts and individual opinions. This would ensure better communication and help you stay on track.
● Avoid confrontation
Do not use the intervention as an opportunity for hostile attacks. Deal with the individual with love, concern, and respect. Avoid abusive words and accusing statements.
● Expect objections
Do not expect them to jump in on the idea of treatment. In fact, they may react negatively to it, but you should remain calm in the face of their objections.
● Don’t be overly assertive
It’s safer to be suggestive when convincing them to get treatment. Offer any support that you can that would reduce their chances of avoiding treatment.
● Ask for an immediate response
They may ask for some time to think whether to accept treatment but persuade them to an immediate response. Giving them extra time to think over it may allow them to keep living in denial or even go into hiding.
Keep in mind, recovering from substance abuse doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a complex process that requires a well prepared long-term plan. But with adequate support, love, and care from loved ones, the path or recovery often becomes easier.
