Help a loved one overcome addiction
It’s hard to watch a friend or family member struggle to live a normal life while trapped in a web of destructive addiction. You know they are in a dangerous place. Your instincts may be to reason with them and thoughtfully persuade them to change their ways. But soon you realize their thinking and behavior is not reasonable, not rational, and absolutely not within their control. Addiction is a powerful disorder. But there are ways you can help loved ones win the fight for their lives. One of those ways is to have an intervention.
What is an intervention?
An intervention is a carefully considered, precisely planned event created by friends and family to help a substance abuser realize that they have a problem, they need help, and they have support. It is a process where concerned supporters gather to confront the loved one about his addiction and its negative consequences. One-by-one, friends and family provide examples of how the addictive behavior has affected them in damaging ways. They then present a pre-planned treatment proposal that they ask him to accept. The plan should include steps, goals, guidelines and consequences if the loved one does not accept immediate treatment.
How do interventions work?
An intervention is a serious event with potentially life-changing ramifications. It is vital that you approach such matters with a well-conceived plan.
1. Form a planning group
When you are ready to begin, form a planning group of friends and relatives who are sympathetic to the addicted loved one. You may even consider consulting with a professional counselor, addiction specialist, or trained interventionist to help you get prepared.
2. Research the treatment options
Next, group members are encouraged to do some research into the loved one’s problem. Learn about the substance they are abusing and how it got started. Be sure to share everything you learn with the entire group. If you think you know enough about his condition, research the treatment options available. You may even want to pre-arrange enrollment in a specific treatment program.
3. Form your intervention team
When the homework is done, it’s time to form your intervention team. This is the small group of 4-6 individuals who will personally participate in the intervention. This group picks a date and location for the intervention. It is important that presentation messages are consistent and rehearsed. Spontaneity can get things off track. At the intervention, each team member will convey how the loved one’s addicted behavior has impacted his or her life in a harmful way. But always end by expressing love and confidence that the behavior can change.
4. Agree on consequences
One of the more important matters to decide is to agree on consequences. If the addicted loved one doesn’t accept the treatment offered, each person has to decide what actions they will take as a result. These tough calls are intended to motivate the loved one and let him know you will not be a co-dependent in his addiction.
5. Hold the intervention meeting
The next step is to hold the intervention meeting. The loved one should not know in advance what the meeting is about. Each member will take turn sharing their feelings and demonstrating how much they are affected and how much they care. The loved one will then be presented with a treatment option and asked to agree to the plan right then. Team members then tell the loved ones what they will do if he does not accept.
6. Follow through
The final step should never be forgotten. Follow-through can mean the difference between successful recovery and certain relapse. It means friends and family members should do what they can to help their loved one stay in treatment. Providing rides to appointments, going to counseling with the loved one, or helping to change the routines that may trigger addictive behavior. Every step in an intervention must be planned carefully so that your intervention is the last one ever needed for your loved one’s recovery.
How to find the right treatment program?
Finding the right treatment program depends on the form and extent of your loved one’s addiction. Treatment options can range from intensive outpatient treatment to complete hospitalization. Do your research to understand your loved one’s condition and to find the right treatment fit. Contact a physician or addiction professional about recommended treatment approaches. Ask about the steps required for admission into any program. And finally, be diligent in your search and be cautious about treatment centers offering quick-fix solutions.
