Staging a Drug Addiction Intervention

An intervention can be a life-changing moment for someone struggling with addiction. It is meant to help someone recognize their need for treatment and encourage them to seek help and support them on the road to recovery.

Staging an intervention should involve careful planning to help a person dealing with substance abuse to break through denial and address the negative impacts of their behavior. It is a chance to give them positive alternatives through treatment, therapy and support groups while expressing support and motivating them to seek recovery.

Why Intervention is Important

An intervention can be an opportunity to help someone address the negative impacts of their behavior and make a positive change through treatment, therapy or support groups.

Your show of support lets a person know they have loved ones who care about them and are concerned about their mental and physical well-being. It also gives them the chance to realize how their actions impact others as well as themselves and see the need for a change.

A structured approach to addiction makes it easier for your loved one to feel safe while being confronted with a sensitive issue. A well-planned intervention, especially when led by trained professionals, can help a person’s chances of seeking treatment. 

Staging an Effective Intervention

This conversation is an important one as your primary goal is to help guide someone to seek the support they need for end substance use. Here is a guide for staging an effective intervention:

1. Prepare & Plan Ahead

• Understand the addiction. Learn about the specific substance the person is using and how it affects the body and mind. This will give you empathy and knowledge as you approach the intervention
• Consult a professional. If possible, consult a professional with experience in handling interventions to help support you and guide you through the process.
• Create a team. Choose a small group who care, can be objective and can speak calmly and honestly. Your team can include friends, family or other trusted people. These should be people who can be loving but firm and those who your loved one respects and trusts.
• Write your script. You should have written statements that focus on how substance abuse affects you personally and affects your relationship.
  • Avoid “you” statements and use “I” statements. For example, “I feel scared when you drink and drive.”
  • Keep your messages positive and focused on recovery rather than criticizing or blaming someone. Stay calm and non-confrontational.
• Choose the setting. The intervention should be done in a neutral, private, calm setting where your loved one won’t feel defensive or as if they are being ambushed. It should be a place free from distractions and where a person feels safe. Do not attempt to stage an intervention in a public place.
• Pick the right time. Be sure the person is not using alcohol or drugs at the time of the intervention. A person under the influence of substances may not be receptive to help.

2. Set Clear Goals

• Define your objectives. Think about what you want to achieve for the person such as therapy, rehabilitation, etc.
• Be realistic about what you think can be achieved.

3. Maintain Calm

• Avoiding arguments is key. Expect that a person will become angry or defensive. Arguing can derail the process and keep you from having a constructive conversation.
• Compassion is key. Remember to not be accusatory. Show love and concern first and then discuss the difficult things.
• Have specific examples of how the addiction and behavior has personally affected you. Remember to focus your discussion on the behavior and not the person.
• Be gentle but also be direct. Do not blame or judge but also do not undermine the seriousness of addiction. There is an impact on their health, relationships, work, mental stability and overall well-being.
• Be prepared for resistance. Have patience and remember that a person may need time to process this new path and lifestyle change.

4. Have a Plan for Next Steps

• Be prepared with immediate next steps and provide solutions.
• You should have attainable options for rehabilitation, treatment, therapy programs or other forms of support.
• Your plan should include an available treatment facility, options for detox and other resources.
• Remind them that they are not alone. You are willing to help and committed to supporting them through treatment.
• If a person refuses help, remain supportive. Let them know help is always available but they need to take the first step to getting help.
• Establish boundaries. Explain that you cannot accept their behavior and explain what changes need to happen for you to continue supporting them.
• Make sure your group remains on board with the goal and does not enable continued substance abuse and harmful behavior.
• Be prepared to explain the consequences if they refuse help. This could mean distancing yourself, ending financial support, or taking other steps in the relationship.

5. Prepare for the Response

It is very common for someone experiencing addiction to deny they have a problem. They will most likely get defensive, yell, try to leave the room or lash out in another way. Expect resistance and stay calm and compassionate, even if they have a negative reaction.

Do not argue and remain firm but gentle. If a person refuses help, let them know you will be there to support them when they decide they are ready for help. Let them know you will remain firm and follow through on the consequences that have been set.

After the intervention, allow them time to process everything. Give them space to understand what is going on and think about the options presented.

What Does the Follow-Up Look Like?

Remember that an intervention can only be successful if the person is ready to accept help. You may have to try again (and again) and prepare more for additional attempts.

If the person does agree to seek treatment, give them emotional support and help them navigate the process. Give them ongoing encouragement and be prepared for setbacks. Recovery is a process and does not happen overnight. Relapse is common but you should not lose hope, even if the process is slow.

Show them your love and support on this journey but remember to take care of your own well-being. Supporting someone through addiction can be a challenge so it is important to look after yourself and get support when needed.

The goal of an intervention is to help a person accept there is a problem, encourage them to seek help, prevent them from harming themselves or others, and to help strengthen relationships. At times, a person may be resistant to help or even unaware of the severity of the situation. A well-executed plan is a way to encourage your loved one to get the help they need.