Often, individuals who struggle with addiction are in denial about their situation and refuse treatment as a result. More specifically, they do not recognize how their addiction negatively impacts themselves and those around them and don’t see a need for treatment in the first place.
The idea behind an intervention is to force the individual to see first-hand how their addiction is harming themselves, others, and their relationships. If someone you love is suffering from addiction, an intervention may be able to help.
However, it’s important to do the intervention correctly in order for it to be successful. So, how do you do an intervention for drug addiction? Read on to find out how.
How to Do an Intervention for Drug Addiction: 5 Steps
Planning out an intervention requires a lot of work and effort. It is not something that should be done spur of the moment or impulsively. Instead, it should be overseen by a medical professional or an interventionist and planned out extensively ahead of time.
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Meet With a Trusted Professional
To begin the process of an intervention, find a trusted professional in your area who can help you out. A medical doctor, drug and alcohol counselor, or interventionist will work. Talk with these professionals to gauge if an intervention is right for your loved one and to plan it correctly.
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Invite the Right People
You will want to invite certain friends and loved ones to the intervention. Typically, 4 to 6 people important in the individual’s life are invited. It’s important for the invited intervention team to be comprised of people the addict loves, likes, respects, and depends on.
Do not invite anyone the addict dislikes or does not respect. Likewise, do not invite anyone who has their own substance abuse problems, mental health issues, or self-control problems. These sorts of people will often sabotage the intervention, intentionally or unintentionally.
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Plan Everything Out Extensively
Once you know who will be a part of the intervention team, work with the medical professional to plan everything out extensively. This involves contacting national organizations, setting up a time, and writing letters that the team members will read out to the addict. Have a plan for what you will do if the addict refuses treatment too.
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Have a Follow-Up Plan
One thing you’ll have to plan out is the treatment option for the addict. It’s important that the addict gets the treatment right after the intervention. So, find a facility that will accept your loved one and make all arrangements ahead of time. You might even want to go ahead and pack a suitcase for your loved one.
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Host Intervention
Once everything has been planned out, sit down and host the intervention. Allowed the trusted professional to lead the intervention so things go smoothly. For the best results, you might even want to have a stage rehearsal intervention before the actual intervention.
What If Your Loved One Refuses Help?
Unfortunately, not all addicts will accept the intervention and receive the treatment proposed. Instead, some individuals will leave and erupt in anger. Be prepared for these situations, but stay hopeful that your loved one will change. If they refuse treatment, follow through with the consequences you explained in your letter.
Help Your Loved One Recover at Recovery Beach
An intervention acts as a wake-up call for those who are addicted. However, it is only the beginning of the process. It’s important that your loved one also receives the treatment they need with the help of medical professionals.
Recovery Beach is a top rehab facility that can help no suffering from drug and alcohol addiction overcome their traumas and begin their life of sobriety. Contact Recovery Beach today to learn more about how our services can help your intervention process.