How to Conduct an Intervention

People participate in an intervention.

The first step every recovering addict must take in recovery is acknowledging that they have a drug problem. It can be difficult watching your loved one struggle with addiction. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans have a friend or family member who’s struggled with drug addiction. Oftentimes, people may want to help their loved one, but don’t know how. In this article, you’ll learn how to conduct an intervention effectively to help support your loved one’s recovery journey. 

At Outpatient LA, we offer a wide range of addiction treatment to ensure you receive the personalized care you need to maintain your sobriety. At our outpatient drug rehab, we understand that each patient’s recovery needs are different. This is why we provide patients with tailored care to ensure you receive the unique care you need to lead a healthier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your unique recovery journey. 

People participate in an intervention.

5 Things to Do During an Intervention

Interventions, done right, can be an essential turning point in getting your loved one the professional support they need to overcome their addiction. Below are several things to keep in mind on how to conduct an intervention.

Set a Plan

First, it’s critical to set a plan, or a specific time, place, and set of close individuals to be at the intervention. The last thing you want to do is confront your loved one out of nowhere in a public setting about their drug addiction.

Be Open and Judgment-Free

Next, be open, judgment-free, and actively listen to your loved one during the intervention. This will help you avoid being confrontational and allow the individual struggling with addiction to feel seen and heard. 

Set Boundaries

It’s also critical to set healthy boundaries during an intervention. Boundaries protect your well-being, while also ensuring you are not accidentally enabling an individual’s addiction. For example, if you periodically loan money to an individual because they do not have a job, it’s critical to cut off financially supporting that individual, as they likely are using a portion of the money to fuel their addiction. 

Have a Plan to Talk About Professional Help

One of the primary aims of an intervention is to work toward getting your loved one to seek professional treatment to help them overcome their addiction. Therefore, be sure to express your support in helping them seek professional care.

Express Your Love for the Individual

Finally, it’s essential to express your love and concern for the individual struggling with addiction. This not only shows your loved one that you care for them, but also can help make the intervention feel less confrontational. 

Common Things to Avoid During an Intervention 

Now that you know how to conduct an intervention effectively, it’s also critical to understand what not to do during an intervention. Below are several points on what not to do during an intervention.

  • Do not confront the individual about their drug problem.
  • Do not unexpectedly confront an individual out of nowhere, in public, or among a group of people.
  • Avoid using a judgmental tone.
  • Avoid being unprepared. Do your research about addiction and potential treatment resources before the intervention. 
  • If the individual denies seeking treatment after the intervention, avoid getting angry. It’s critical to offer support, whether the individual acknowledges they have a drug problem or not. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about how to conduct an intervention so you can effectively express your concerns to your loved one. Interventions, done right, can play a critical role in helping your loved one acknowledge that they have an addiction and need support to get sober. It’s essential to remember to be open and judgment-free during an intervention to express your concerns, rather than coming across as judgmental or confrontational. 

Outpatient LA is committed to helping patients achieve long-term sobriety. We understand that addiction recovery is a lifelong journey that can be filled with many ups and downs. Our experienced team of addiction specialists is here to provide you with the unique care you need to best support your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery needs. 

How to Hold an Intervention

People hold an intervention for their loved one.

It can be hard watching your loved one struggle with addiction. Oftentimes, many loved ones may struggle to know what to do to help their loved one struggling with addiction to seek treatment. That’s why in this article, you’ll learn how to hold an intervention so you can effectively confront your loved one regarding their drug problem. 

At Outpatient LA, we are leading outpatient drug rehab that helps patients effectively break free from the chains of their addiction. No longer do you have to suffer in silence with your addiction. Our compassionate team is here to help you regain control of your life. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment so you can receive the unique support you need to lead a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey. 

6 Steps to Hold an Effective Intervention

Unsure of how to hold an intervention? Below are several steps you can take to hold an effective intervention. 

1. Consider Seeking Professional Help to Facilitate the Intervention

Before planning an intervention, it’s important to consider if you would want to seek professional help from an interventionist to help facilitate an intervention. While an interventionist is not required, they can provide expert guidance and an objective perspective to help lead the intervention. 

2. Pick a Specific Time and Place to Hold the Intervention

It’s important to pick a specific time and place to hold the intervention. The last thing you want to do is confront your loved one struggling with addiction out of nowhere. Therefore, clearly communicate a specific time and place to hold the intervention, and only invite close trusted family members or friends. You do not want to invite too many people to the intervention as this can make the individual feel uneasy and judged. 

3. Plan on What You’ll Say Before the Intervention

It’s also important to do your research and plan what you’ll say before the intervention. Whether it’s researching addiction treatment centers in your area, or learning more about addiction, it’s important to know what you’ll say before the time comes during the intervention. 

4. Provide a Safe, Judgement-Free Space During the Intervention

You’ll also want to provide a safe, judgment-free space during the intervention so your loved one feels comfortable accepting help at the end of the intervention. If the intervention comes off as an attack, they will be less likely to accept help. 

5. Communicate Clear Boundaries If Your Loved One Doesn’t Accept Treatment

Not all interventions end with an individual struggling with addiction accepting help for their drug problem. If your loved one does not accept help for their addiction, it’s important to set and communicate clear boundaries with them so you are not enabling their addiction. This may look like no longer giving money to your family member who struggles with addiction, as they may be using that money to fuel their addiction. 

6. Understand That an “Unsuccessful” Intervention is Not the End

Understand that an “unsuccessful” intervention is not the end. While it’s important to not enable your loved one’s addiction and keep healthy boundaries, you can still be there to offer support and guidance for them to seek professional help when the time comes for them to accept professional help. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about how to hold an intervention. An intervention at a specific time and place creates a safe space to confront your loved one struggling with addiction, while also offering resources for them to seek professional help. While not all interventions may end with a person struggling with addiction accepting help for their addiction, interventions offer an effective way to confront your loved one about their drug problem. 

At Outpatient LA, our compassionate team is here to help you safely progress along your road to recovery so you can reclaim your life. No longer do you have to suffer alone with your addiction. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment options so you can receive the tailored support you need to live a happier, healthier quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.