12 May 7 Critical Considerations for Holding a Substance Abuse Intervention
People who have loved ones addicted to drugs or alcohol can often feel helpless and hopeless when it comes to fixing the situation. But if you’re willing, the possibility of helping a loved one conquer an addiction is possible.
Here are seven things to think about if you’re planning on holding an intervention.
[Read more: How do you know when it’s time to call for an intervention?]
Choose your team wisely.
An intervention is a motivating talk to convince the addicted individual that it’s time to get help. Interventions work because the entire family wants to work towards a solution. An intervention team can include family members, coworkers, friends and addiction professionals.
Having an interventionist as part of an intervention is a huge benefit. An interventionist meets with the family to find ways to encourage results in helping the individual see the benefits of treatments.
At the end of the meeting, the addict proceeds to treatment and the family member begin counselling. The interventionist will help decide the best treatment facility.
Learn and rehearse
Speak to an interventionist about addiction and addiction recovery. Those who will be at the intervention should rehearse and prepare for the conversation. Addiction changes brain chemistry, which causes addicts to put drug abuse above everything. Remember, a trigger can happen during an intervention. Pre-write what you want to say and have it reviewed by others before the intervention.
Establish clear goals and consequences
An intervention convinces an addict that they need to make serious changes. The biggest change would be entering into a treatment program. Other goals could be family counselling, joining a 12-step group or finding a recovery sponsor. It may be scary for an addict to think about not taking drugs ever again, so create achievable short-term goals for them to meet.
The addict must know that there will be consequences if these goals aren’t met.
Focus on motivation, not accusation
An effective intervention can help motivate an addict to enter rehab. Focus on motivating your loved one to get help, instead of bashing them for being an addict. While it’s important to discuss the negative impacts the addiction has caused, it’s imperative to talk about the positive consequences that rehab provides.
Choose an intervention meeting place
When choosing a space to hold the intervention, pick a non-threatening, familiar location. The addict will be more at ease during the meeting. Also, schedule a time for the meeting when the loved one is sober.
Be prepared for anything
You cannot control an addict and how they will react to having an intervention. Having an interventionist there will be beneficial because they have experience calming hostile environments. If a situation becomes hostile and endangers others, call 911 right away.
Don’t give up
Your loved one does have the ability to recover. Help them collect the resources that they’ll need for their road to recovery. If they refuse help during the first intervention, they may agree to get help if a second intervention is planned. Treatment does work and it’s possible for your loved one to return to you.
If you’d like to learn more about holding an intervention and having an interventionist included, please call us. Andy Bhatti and his team offer interventions in Vancouver, Calgary and Newfoundland.