An intervention is often a make-or-break event when it comes to someone getting clean and sober. If done right, it can be the perfect inspiration that an addict needs to go in and get help for his or her addiction.
For many who struggle with addiction, an intervention is the critical first step to recovery. Addiction can make the afflicted individual blind to the pain they're causing themselves and their loved ones. It can cause the addict to deny they have a problem and keep them from seeking treatment until they hit "rock bottom". If you think a loved one is struggling with addiction, don't wait for the problem to worsen - consider staging an intervention.
An intervention is a planned event in which a group of people (usually family, friends, and loved ones) confront an addicted individual to show them how their addiction is negatively affecting them and the people around them. An intervention offers the afflicted individual a structured opportunity at recovery and motivates addicts to get the help they need. The ultimate goal is to empower the addict to escape from their seemingly hopeless, entrapping addiction.
Interventions conducted with the help of a professional are statistically much more successful at getting the addict to agree to a treatment program. Conducting an intervention without a professional may be counterproductive and dangerous - an intervention is a fragile, volatile situation that has a possibility of failing and making the addict feel attacked, angry, or betrayed. One of the first steps in staging an intervention is deciding whether to use an interventionist.
Interventionists are trained professionals who specialize in guiding families through intervention. An interventionist will be able to step in and redirect the meeting if the family does not know how to respond to the addict or is too emotional to do so. Many interventionists have firsthand experience with addiction and can truly empathize with the situation while remaining firm with the addict. The interventionist can also provide custom-tailored guidance by coaching friends and family before the intervention occurs, and can help decide who should be at the intervention and what should be said to the addict.
If you choose to use an interventionist, they will guide you and those participating through the process of the intervention. Those who don't choose to use an interventionist should still consult an addiction specialist, social worker, counselor, or other health professional to plan an intervention. The process of planning an intervention usually includes:
Once preparation is finished and the intervention team is properly educated, the addicted individual is brought to the (private) intervention site. The intervention team will calmly discuss their feelings and concerns and present the addicted person with their possible treatment options. A key part of an intervention is asking the addicted individual to immediately choose a treatment option, and presenting them with the consequences of not accepting treatment.