When faced with a loved one struggling with addiction, the decision to plan an intervention can be emotional and confusing. An intervention can be a powerful tool to guide someone toward help and recovery, but it also carries risks. We’ll review several factors to consider as you plan an alcohol or drug addiction intervention and how to prepare yourself for its potential outcomes.
Factors to Consider
One of the key factors to consider when deciding whether you should plan an intervention is the severity of the substance use. Some questions to ask yourself are:
- Is your loved one using illicit drugs? If so, an intervention is always appropriate.
- Is your loved one overusing alcohol? Learn the signs of an alcohol use disorder. If you think your loved one has developed a dependence on alcohol, an intervention is appropriate.
- Has your loved one resisted seeking help despite the clear dangers? If so, an intervention may help.
Understand that not all situations require an intervention. If the issue is relatively mild and the person is already seeking help or showing signs of improvement, an intervention might not be necessary. Do what you can to support your loved one’s decision to seek help.
Generally, alcohol or drug addiction interventions are helpful when the person with the substance use disorder is in denial or is endangering others with their behavior. An individual not open to treatment or help may be hostile or resistant if met with an intervention. This could cause further distance, and they may continue to use or increase their substance use. Depending on the individual and their specific situation, you may want to wait until they understand that they need help or are at a point where there is no other option.
Another essential factor to consider is whether you need to involve a professional to assist with the intervention. Professionals such as an addiction specialist, an intervention specialist, a therapist, or a counselor can guide you to the best approach, facilitate the intervention, and ensure that the process is safe and supportive. Their involvement can help prevent the intervention from becoming confrontational or spiraling out of control.
Potential Outcomes
It is important to be realistic about the potential outcomes of an intervention. While the goal is to encourage your loved one to seek help and make positive changes in their life, there’s no guarantee of success. It is essential to prepare for different outcomes and be ready to offer ongoing support regardless of how the person responds to the intervention.
- Your loved one might choose to reject the offer of help. This can be disheartening, and there is a possibility that the intervention itself could strain your relationship with them. They may feel defensive, resistant, or even dismissive of your concerns. Try not to take this personally but understand that it is a common reaction when faced with challenging issues.
- Your loved one may be receptive to help and willing to make positive changes. In this case, it is vital to have a clear plan in place for their next steps. Having a well-thought-out plan shows your commitment and provides your loved one with a roadmap for their recovery.
- Regardless of the initial response, the most critical aspect is to be prepared for these diverse outcomes and to offer ongoing support. Trust might be strained during the intervention, but showing that you genuinely care about your loved one’s well-being and are committed to being there for them can go a long way in repairing that trust.
Preparing for Alcohol or Drug Addiction Interventions
Once you have determined to hold an Alcohol or Drug Addiction Intervention for your loved one, learn about the steps involved in planning for it. Since interventions can be emotionally charged for all involved, it is crucial to approach the situation with compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to help.
Have a plan in place for the person’s immediate needs after the intervention, such as transportation to a treatment facility, therapy, or access to support groups. You may want to enlist the help of a professional from a local recovery center where you plan to have your loved one seek treatment.
Learn More About Mountain Laurel Recovery Center’s Intervention Services
At Mountain Laurel Recovery Center, we offer intervention services to assist families who need help navigating the process. To learn more about the services and programs offered at our Pennsylvania recovery center, please contact us today.
