Intervention 101: How to Stage an Intervention

By Staff Writer

Though once seen as confrontational methods of last resort to reach out to someone struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism, interventions are now seen for what they truly are: an expression of love and compassion for someone who needs help.

Here are a few tips for staging your own addiction intervention:

1. Find an addiction treatment center or drug rehab facility in advance and make arrangements for the addict to be admitted immediately after the meeting. This facility will be able to refer you to a professional interventionist who can ensure that the intervention runs smoothly and has the best chance of getting your loved one into treatment.

2. Once you’ve selected a facility and an interventionist, gather a group of close family and friends, usually 3-6 people, whose opinions and support matter most to the addict. If possible, schedule a rehearsal to iron out the order of events, seating arrangements and other details so that you can present a united front and ensure that the intervention runs smoothly.

3. Have every participant write a letter to the addict describing in a calm, straightforward manner the way the addiction is impacting both the addict and the people who love them. Each person should give specific examples of incidents that caused them pain as well as a list of behaviors they can no longer tolerate if the addict refuses to get treatment. For example, a loved one may refuse to loan money or provide a place to stay in an effort to help the addict fully experience the negative consequences of their drug or alcohol abuse.

4. Set a date and place for the intervention and invite the addict to attend. When the addict enters the room, briefly explain why everyone is gathered there.

5. Read the letters aloud to the addict, making sure to keep the environment positive and solution-oriented.

6. Educate yourself about the disease of addiction. While some addicts will listen calmly and attentively, most will respond to an intervention with a number of excuses for why they can’t commit to rehab (e.g., cost of treatment, work responsibilities or other commitments). The process will be smoother if you can anticipate and be prepared to respond to those excuses.

7. Request that the addict enter the addiction treatment center you’ve selected immediately. Be sure there is a bed waiting on the day of the intervention, help the addict gather his belongings and coordinate transportation to the facility.

In 85 percent of interventions, the alcoholic or addict agrees to enter treatment. If the addict refuses to accept drug treatment, stay strong and follow through with the commitments you made during the intervention. Consider the intervention a first step in a longer journey toward recovery and try approaching your loved one again in a few weeks.

An Interventionist Can Improve Your Chances of Success

Interventions seem deceptively simple. There are a number of stages when the process can break down, and a poorly run or unplanned intervention can make the situation worse, which means it’s important to get it right the first time. That’s where a professional interventionist – and a quality drug rehab facility – can make a world of difference.

People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are struggling with a chronic, progressive disease and in many cases, have lost control of their lives. As a result, they may respond to an intervention with feelings of anger, embarrassment or betrayal. Likewise, family and friends have been hurt deeply on so many occasions that they often struggle to stay calm and supportive during an intervention.

A professional interventionist is an objective third party who will help organize and carry out the intervention quickly and efficiently, with the authority of an expert and the neutrality of someone who has no history with the family. These counselors will approach the addict and their loved ones with respect and understanding without falling prey to anger, blame or judgment or giving in to the addict’s excuses or false promises. Because of their specialized training in addiction and recovery, interventionists can educate family and friends about addiction and ensure that the environment remains constructive.

Interventions are emotional events and it is normal to feel anxious and worried. An interventionist can ease your concerns and build your confidence, ensuring that the process is productive and worthwhile.

An interventionist will also be able to help you select the best addiction treatment center for your loved one, coordinate admission on the day of the intervention and arrange for transportation to the facility. This kind of professional support and expertise can be invaluable at a time when tensions are high and the stakes are even higher.

For more information about interventionists and addiction treatment programs, contact the National Resource Center at (877) 637-6237.