Staging and running a drug intervention can be tricky. However, an intervention is often a very effective way in helping a loved one commit to drug addiction treatment. By sharing personal stories of how your loved one’s addiction has affected you and others, addicts can see more concretely the negative effects of their addiction.[1] The following are the top five questions people ask us at Michael’s House when they are trying to put together a drug intervention for someone they love.
Question #1: When Is a Drug Intervention Necessary?
If you have watched your loved one lose quality of life with alcohol and drug addiction and you’ve tried without success to talk to them one-on-one about the possibility of drug rehab and they deny they have a problem, then a drug intervention is necessary.
Question #2: When and Where Do I Hold a Drug Intervention?
Choosing the time and location for your drug intervention can have an impact on the success of the intervention. First, you must pick a time when your loved one is sober and lucid. This may be a rare moment that you can’t plan for in advance, so prepare to wait if necessary. You may choose the timing of the event to coincide with when your loved one gets off work or comes home or choose a time that is convenient for those who will be participating.
Choosing the spot for the drug intervention is a bit simpler—pick somewhere that is comfortable for your loved one. Home is a good choice or a friend’s house. Avoid public places or odd places that your loved one may not readily go. Making everyone as comfortable as possible will help those involved speak more easily, which in turn, may help your loved one to better understand that point of the drug intervention and choose addiction treatment.
Question #3: Who Do I Include in a Drug Intervention?
Include only a few people in your drug intervention. Close family members (no children) and people who your loved one respects should be included. Do not include anyone who is currently struggling with drug and alcohol addiction issues, and it should go without saying that no one should be under the influence at the intervention. Remember that each person included will be given a chance to speak for three to five minutes, so keep that in mind when you choose how many people to include.
Question #4: What Do I Say at a Drug Intervention?
When you speak at a drug intervention, you should speak directly to your loved one without anger or judgment. Pick one or two incidents that demonstrate your loved one’s issue with addiction and show you, him or her or others being deeply hurt or physically hurt by choices they made under the influence or in service of their addiction. Keep it short—just a few minutes—and nonjudgmental.
Question #5: What if My Loved One Chooses Not to Go to Drug Rehab?
The drug intervention ends with an ultimatum: either your loved one gets help at a drug rehab or he or she must face consequences previously decided upon. It is important to clearly define the consequences of choosing not to enter treatment, such as loss of financial support, housing, a job or contact with loved ones. The goal is to communicate that the addiction can no longer persist in the same circumstances.[2]
If you or someone you know would like help developing a plan for an intervention or getting in contact with an interventionist, we can help. Please call us today at our 24 hour, toll-free helpline. We want to help all families be restored and all people live a sober life apart from drugs and alcohol. Please call now.
Sources
[1] https://www.ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/intervention-tips-and-guidelines
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451