Three Tips for a Better Intervention

If someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it can be challenging to talk to him or her about it. Many substance abusers do not realize they have a problem, and it can take some convincing to get them to understand that they need to get help and go to rehab. Take the time to prepare with these tips to make your intervention go as smoothly as possible.

Form a Strong Intervention Team

Having a group of people who are close to the person involved is necessary for an intervention. Parents, siblings, close friends and colleagues are all good choices for an intervention team. 

The intervention team should be comprised of people the drug abuser trusts and respects, and those people should have a good relationship with the person affected. The team should rehearse what each person is going to say ahead of time. Individual testimonials are especially persuasive.

Don’t be Judgmental 

Body language and tone of voice can have a huge impact on whether or not the person involved can accept the message and decide to change his or her behavior. Avoid taking an accusatory stance, blaming the victim for his or her addiction or yelling “intervention!” at the victim. 

You are looking to help the affected person, not start a fight with him or her. Keep an encouraging tone by focusing on the benefits of drug rehab, instead of the person’s past behavior.

Don’t Give Up

The person who is suffering from a drug addiction may refuse to go to treatment, or they might try to put off seeking help. The affected person may initially seek treatment and then relapse, too. 

One confrontation may not be enough. Be encouraging and persistent with the person needing the intervention. Do not accept half measures. If the person involved does decide to go to rehab, he or she needs to stick it out until the end. Support one another as an intervention team to successfully help the substance-addicted person regain control over his or her life.

Although interventions can seem difficult, they don’t have to be. With these tips and possibly some help from an addiction therapy specialist or drug rehab, anyone can host a successful intervention. 

Natalie Benoy is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House.