An addiction intervention is an opportunity to set the right course for a loved one who has stalled in trying to find recovery. Typically, the family member experiencing substance use disorder has not yielded to get help (and has likely been enabled). Simply said, an intervention is where the rubber meets the road, and the time has come for things to change. This usually does not sit well with the family member in active addiction. For this reason, it is best to bring in a professional from the behavioral health community to orchestrate the intervention. The interventionist will help to overcome barriers of denial while also offering strength to family when it comes to being determined in their ultimatums presented to their loved one for getting help. This means going to detox and inpatient treatment.
Addiction Intervention Steps
- Contact a Professional
The first step is to locate a specialist who has experience and knowledge of interventions. A competent interventionist can not only provide the family with support to help before, during, and after an intervention but will also help advance the person experiencing drug addiction or alcoholism.
- Gather Family and Loved Ones
The second step is to assemble close friends and family who will take part in the intervention. Members can include parents, sibs, close friends, and children of majority age. The size of the intervention group doesn’t matter as much, as their resolve to assist in this troubling time. Choose people of substance who can see the big picture of addiction’s slippery slope.
- Decide a Plan (and Stick to the Plan)
An intervention is not just emotional appeal but can become heated or argumentative. The professional will help coach participants and enable communication through the intervention “team” on how the intervention will proceed. Do NOT change course unless directed to do so by intervention leader.
- Establish Boundaries
This is the most essential, but also the most demanding, steps for family and friends. This is where boundaries are set and must be adhered. Addicts have behaved with limited consequences up until now because the line continues to be crossed. In fact, it’s vital for boundaries and consequences to be specific and agreed upon on prior to the intervention. Everyone must be vigilant to defend them if the person does not agree to get help.
- Gain Consensus
Once the ultimatums have been presented to the abuser, participants must remain committed to their boundaries and consequences they have issued. Falling back into old habits not only eliminates the power of the intervention, but it also proves to the abuser that their substance abuse isn’t “that bad”. Boundaries are set to be healthy. It is not “mean” or “cruel” to have boundaries in place that will help everyone involved get help and be healthy.
- Coming to Terms with Imposing Consequences
An intervention becomes necessary when rationalizing and gentle guidance have gone astray. Many families have been ripped apart from substance use, and everyone ultimately reaches the point where they can no longer handle the pressures, stress, fear, and manipulation that seems to come with addiction. One of the most difficult emotions family and friends must deal with is guilt. Deciding on individual ultimatums that will be presented – and followed through with – during the intervention can sometimes create a false sense of hope that the situation isn’t “really that bad” when there’s the risk that someone will have to be cut out of a life.
Conclusion of the Intervention
There are only two possible results of an intervention: the individual goes immediately to rehab or accept the boundaries that have been imposed on them. If you have put together a “team” effort that was developed out of love and concern then, hopefully that is the part of plea that will resonate with the addicted loved. However, addiction’s grip can be challenging to break, and you must be prepared to follow through with consequences including jeopardizing housing, financial assistance, and more. Detach with love and good luck!
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
