Is It Productive To Stage an Intervention with a Family Member

Intervention is a structured conversation between an addict and his or her loved ones under the supervision of an intervention professional. Perhaps you have a family member who is struggling with addiction. Maybe you have even tried talking to him or her, but the situation keeps on deteriorating. Your loved one is missing family events and even driving while intoxicated. If this is the case, it is time to stage an intervention to persuade him or her to seek help. Approaching a loved one who has an alcohol or drug problem can be difficult. Although you mean well, you might not know what to say. Moreover, the addict can deny that they have an addiction problem. As such, a successful intervention can help you and the addicted person to express your feelings constructively. The following steps can help you stage a productive intervention.

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1. Find an Intervention Specialist

After realizing that simple talk will not help your addicted family member, the first step to helping him is to contact an intervention specialist. The professional will keep the communication between the two parties moving. The specialist will help the addict to break his cycle of denial. Do not attempt to stage an intervention without a specialist since you may make matters worse. The addicted family member may become stubborn and refuse any help.

2.Form an Intervention Group

Once on board, the specialist will help you to come up with an intervention strategy. Every addiction case is unique, and a healing plan may not work on every situation. The specialist will work with both parties to address specific needs. Close friends, spouses, siblings, and the addict’s children can help in convincing your loved one to seek help.

3.Learn and Rehearse

The intervention specialist will then educate members on addiction and recovery methods. The knowledge will provide an insight into the various strategies you can use to convince an addict to get help. The specialist will help family members and close friends to rehearse and prepare for the intervention. Since addiction changes the brain chemistry and allows users to put drugs above everything, you should help trigger a “moment of clarity.” Family members may describe the various ways the addict has hurt them: psychologically and physically. Pre-write these stories and review them before the intervention.

4.Intervention Place and Time

The intervention space should be familiar and non-threatening to the addicted person. Such a place puts everyone at ease. Additionally, try and choose a time when the loved one is sober. Interventions often last between 30 and 90 minutes, but there is no mandatory period.

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5.Set Goals

With the help of the specialist, the intervention party and the addicted person should set expectations and recovery goals to meet the post-intervention. If the addict fails to achieve the set objectives, he or she is held accountable.

Do not be afraid to contact a specialist if your loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. If the warning signs are there, intervention may be the only option in helping a family member.