How to Perform Intervention With an Alcoholic

An intervention can help save the life of someone who is dealing with alcoholism. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, there are two forms of intervention. An informal intervention involves having a simple discussion with an alcoholic about her drinking. The person who is doing the intervention may ask the person some questions or offer insight. (See reference #2)

A formal intervention is more structured and involves a group of people coming together with the goal of convincing the person who is abusing alcohol to address his problem and get help. This type of intervention is often used after the person has repeatedly refused treatment in the past. If it's done properly, it can prevent an alcohol-related tragedy from occurring. (See reference #2)

Instructions

• 1

  Organize a group of willing participants for the intervention. This should be a small group of family and friends who share a common goal of getting help for the person. A family physician, co-workers, and religious counsel can also be helpful. The important thing is to include people who are noticing and experiencing the damaging effects from the person's drinking.

• 2

  Find a professional who can lead the intervention. This can be a substance abuse counselor or a family therapist, who will explain how to offer help to the person in a constructive and non-judgmental manner.

• 3

  Decide what each person will say during the intervention. Plan ahead as a group what points each person will make. This should include a discussion about the consequences that alcoholism will have on the person's life if he refuses to get treatment. Be prepared to address excuses the person may give in order to avoid treatment.

• 4

  Find a good treatment center. The professional in charge of the intervention can help identify a place that can meet the person's individual needs. Follow the necessary procedures to have the person admitted into the chosen program. Be ready to take immediate action. Have everything set up ahead of time so the person can go into treatment right after the intervention, if she agrees to get help.

• 5

  Schedule a time to do the intervention. Determine a location for the group to meet up with the person who has the drinking problem.

• 6

  Conduct the intervention. Remember the purpose of the intervention is to get the person to agree to seek help. Make it clear to the person that he must make a commitment to get treatment and that just making a promise is not acceptable. Be prepared to impose consequences if the person refuses treatment. For example, if the person is a teenager, tell her that you are prepared to get a court order that will force her to go into a treatment program. If she does agree to get help, get her into treatment right away.