If you care for someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction, you know how hopeless things can seem at times. Sometimes you feel completely powerless, as though nothing that you can say or do will have any effect on the situation. Have you ever considered holding an intervention? According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), over 90 percent of interventions result in the addict trying to get help for themselves, so don’t throw in the towel just yet. Interventions create change and open a dialogue. They offer to shed light on a problem that the addict has fought so hard to keep in the dark. Once the curtain is pulled back, they often do not feel the need to hide anymore. Interventions also show the addict that he or she is not alone, and is surrounded by a number of friends and family members who care about their well-being. So, how can you host an intervention that will yield positive results?
Choose the Participants Wisely
An intervention is meant to be a motivating and inspiring talk, so you should take care to only invite people who will be encouraging, supportive, and helpful. Select people who have a positive and/or meaningful relationship with the addict. Anyone who is suffering from their own addiction or who has an ax to grind with any of the participants should be asked to please stay away. An intervention needs to be positive and uplifting. Any hostility or doubt can derail your good intentions.
Choose Your Moment
Holding the intervention when the addict is sober or as close as they can manage will better allow your words to sink in, and also reduce the potential backlash of angry words and violent actions. Sobriety will also ensure that the person is better able to understand and recall what is being said. Holding the intervention early in the day might be your best bet, or maybe right when they get home from work. Another good time might be right after the person has recently faced legal troubles, like being charged with drunk driving. This moment of vulnerability could give you the perfect opening to get them to be willing to listen.
Choose Your Location
While it might seem comforting to hold an intervention in a home, it might be a little too comforting. If the addict wishes to withdraw it is just too easy for them to disappear to their bedroom, the bathroom, or some other sanctuary within the home. The intervention will be over before it even begins. By holding the intervention in a neutral environment you can circumvent this problem. A private place such as a therapist’s office can be an excellent setting for an intervention. Being in an unfamiliar setting can also cause people to behave better than they normally would and they don’t feel as free to wander about. Churches, synagogues, and community centers can also be good places to hold your intervention.
If you are planning on holding an intervention, make sure you are prepared with lots of follow-up information. If the addict decides that they would be willing to try rehab you want to make sure that you are ready with a viable option for them.
If you are the parent of a child with a substance abuse problem, and you think they might be ready to go to recovery, then please contact Discovery Place in Tennessee and find out how we can help you. Reach out to our knowledgeable staff for information pertaining to our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program. You can chat with us on our website or give us a call and speak with a trained staff member at (800) 725-0922 today.
