If you’re worried about a loved one’s alcohol or drug use, but are unsure how to take action, planning an intervention offers the best chance at communicating concerns and helping them to get the treatment they need. In order to have the best outcome, learning how to properly plan an intervention is critical.
For many individuals suffering from drug or alcohol dependence, there are a number of obstacles that can interfere with them reaching out for help. Some of these challenges include fear, judgement, denial, shame, and pride. The truth is, many people trapped in addiction are praying for a way out. They recognize that their lives have become unmanageable. Even still, making the first step out of the darkness appears as impossible, or even terrifying. Because of this, they stick to what’s familiar—the addiction.
This is where a strategically planned intervention can offer be incredibly beneficial. However, even when interventions work, they are most often met in the beginning with resistance, and that is because the person is likely to feel that their whole inner life has just become exposed.
Key Tips on How to Stage an Intervention
Educate Yourself
One of the most effective steps in preparing for an intervention is to educate yourself on substance use disorders as well as the suspected substance or substances your loved one or friend is consuming. By broadening your awareness, you will be able to approach the situation from a place more centered in compassion and understanding.
Find an Intervention Specialist
Confronting a loved one about addiction can feel like an overwhelming endeavor, but you need not do it alone. There are plenty of intervention specialists that can help guide you through the entire process as well as participate in the intervention itself. With an intervention specialist there, the transition into a treatment program can be a much smoother process. Many treatment centers employ intervention specialists. So, if there is a program you are considering, find out if there is a staff interventionist or request a recommendation.
Form Your Intervention Group
Addiction carries with it an entanglement of emotions, not just for the person suffering from substance abuse but everyone around him. When deciding who to have participate in the intervention, choose wisely. You may at first feel that everyone should be present, but on deeper consideration, you might realize that having people there who are going to be emotionally charged could disrupt the intervention.
An interventionist can help friends and loved ones of the addict prepare for the intervention. There is no one-size-fits-all design when it comes to an intervention. The interventionist will listen to the unique circumstances and concerns of all parties involved in order to figure out the best approach to utilize.
Rehearse
Finally, before the intervention, it’s best to practice. This will give everyone involved a moment to talk out their concerns. The interventionist may then suggest alternative methods of communicating ideas in order that they are best received through the lens of compassion and care.
An intervention should never be something just done on a whim. Without proper planning, an addict is likely to feel attacked, which could cause them to disappear—the last thing anyone wants to happen.
Finding Treatment That Works
The most important part of planning an intervention is having a treatment center in mind. Once the person agrees to enter treatment, you don’t want to let them to take time to think about it. Action should be taken immediately. Having a center in mind at the time of the intervention means that you can show them something tangible.
When looking for a drug rehab, consider programs that offer integrated treatment. Integrated treatment utilizes a dual diagnosis focus, which works to identify all mental health illnesses and treat them simultaneously with the addiction.
At First Step Center of Arizona, our team of addiction specialists provide individualized care for each client. With only 10 beds, our all-male clientele benefit from receiving a personalized treatment program tailored to meet specified needs.
We offer programs and therapies like:
- Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Addiction therapy services
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. First Step Center understands this sentiment and believes in offering integrated treatment that offers a holistic method in helping you or a loved one get well. To find out more about how to stage an intervention or our mens drug rehab center, call us now at 866.832.6398.
