5 Tips to Staging an Intervention for a Close Family Member

staging an intervention

Having a family member who’s addicted to drugs or alcohol is painful.

Especially if they don’t see how it affects their life and the lives of those around them.

An intervention may be necessary to help your loved one turn their life around, but if you’ve never been part of one before, you might need some pointers.

Here are five tips for staging an intervention and ensuring it goes smoothly.

1. Select Team Members Wisely

The people you choose to help with the intervention are going to be persuading your loved one to get treatment. The people need to have a meaningful relationship with the addicted party and want what’s best for them. Even if it’s difficult, uncomfortable, or not what your loved one wants.

At the same time, the people you choose must remain strong and not give in to any pleading the addicted party might exhibit.

You don’t want anyone who enables the addict to be a part of your team. They will weaken your solidarity and may step in and defend the person you are trying to help.

If you need help, you can ask a professional to lead the intervention and help you put a team together.

2. Rehearse Your Script

You should practice what you’re going to say beforehand so everyone can plan something to say and contribute to the intervention. Rehearsing will also ensure that nothing gets left out.

Some ideas to consider are: explaining how your loved one has hurt you, describing what their behavior is like, and helping them remember the person they were before their addiction.

3. Keep Your Cool

Your loved one may feel as though the intervention is an attack, so you need to reassure them that it is coming from a place of genuine concern.

Don’t blame them for anything and tell them that any further steps are not a punishment. Try to encourage a positive and calming atmosphere.

Your loved one may lash out with insults or physical threats, but you need to stay focused on the goal.

4. Decide on Next Steps

You want to present your loved one with options on what they can do next. Alcohol addiction services can ensure your loved one receives the best treatment among professionals in a safe and controlled environment.

Try not to let your loved one leave the intervention without committing to something.

Research programs to find a good fit for your loved one and make any necessary arrangements to care for your loved one’s family, job, or living situation should they choose to receive help immediately.

5. Persevere

Your intervention may not be successful the first time. Your loved one may seem onboard only to abandon the process as soon as they leave the intervention. It may take a few tries.

Don’t give up. Your loved one needs to know they aren’t alone, they can change, and they have a support system.

Staging an Intervention for Your Loved One

Staging an intervention may be difficult. Your loved one may be caught off guard and become scared or hostile. Help your loved one get back on track anyway.

Check back frequently for more health and wellness advice!

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