Intervention |
| It's hard helping a loved one who is struggling with any type of addiction because they don't want to hear it. They don't want to admit they've past the point of being able to control it on their own. But sometimes, an intervention is the only way to get them to open their eyes and admit they need help. Many times, a direct, heart-to-heart conversation can start the road to recovery and sometimes a more focused approach often is needed. You may need to join forces with other family and friends, and sometimes you may need to take action through a formal intervention and use an educated and trained interventionist or a member of the person's faith. An intervention should be a carefully planned process. It is important that the friends and family involved already have a plan of what to do and say, as well as what not to do or say, before the intervention. This helps all team members to stay on topic, and to avoid placing blame, making accusations, or saying other hurtful things, which may lead the person to refuse help. |
Choose the people who will be a part of the intervention carefully. The team should consist of people who truly care about the person and who are emotionally strong enough to withstand the backlash and harsh words that are inherent in an intervention. Avoid including anyone who has an addiction of their own in the team as this could be counterintuitive. It also helps if the team consists of people the subject respects and cares about as this will present a better chance of the subject actually listening to what is being said.
Do some research so you have a better understanding about what addiction is...and isn’t. This will help you recognize some of the issues someone in recovery will go through and how they might try to explain away their actions or manipulate you into giving them more time.
Any animal that’s backed into a corner is going to fight to survive. And an addict that’s being confronted about their addiction is going to fight like they’re an animal that’s been cornered. You need to be prepared that they are going to say some very mean and very hurtful things, and that they might even get violent. These are the only weapons they know how to use. Staying strong and understanding that it’s the “Monster of Addiction” not your loved one, that is saying and doing these things will help you get through the intervention without you fighting back and making it worse. Staying calm and on point will serve you better.
Keeping everyone on the team on the same page is crucial to showing a unified front. Your plan should include:
Rehearse how you’re going to start the dialog and how it’s going to progress. Rehearse how you will react if they fight back…verbally and physically. If they say yes, they are ready for recovery, know what your next step will be.
One of the most important parts of an intervention is the follow through. Even if the intervention itself didn’t produce the results you hoped for, your willingness to enforce healthy boundaries afterward might encourage a person struggling with addiction to seek help later. |
We're Standing Up for Recovery Because We Care! |