Drug & Alcohol Intervention Techniques

According to coloradointervention.com, it takes an average of seven years for a family to admit that a loved one has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, and approximately two years to get that individual help. This is due to a fear of confrontation on the part of the family members, as well as the fact that addiction is about more than drug and alcohol dependence. Other factors of addiction include a chemical imbalance in the brain, emotional pain and spiritual scarring. Since addiction can be deadly, you must provide an intervention immediately.

Participants

• When forming an intervention, include the close family members and friends of your loved one. The ideal number of people is four to six, according to drug-rehabilitation.org, as too many participants may make the intervention come across as impersonal and will not have as effective of an impact on the addict. The website also advises against the participation of children in the intervention. You may opt for a professional counselor, a third-party member, to help guide you during the intervention process and ward off any potential confrontations.

Preparation

• You should prepare for the intervention in advance, so that you and other participants can come up with action plans for possible scenarios during the actual intervention. During this time, each participant should also decide what they would like to say to their loved one in order to convince them to seek treatment. Also, as a group, decide on an ultimatum for the addict. For example, you can tell your loved one that if he refuses to seek treatment, then your relationship will consequently end.

  A treatment method should also be worked out prior to the intervention. Simply telling your loved one to get help does not leave a concrete plan for her to follow through with. Research different types of facilities in advance, and decide on which is the most appropriate fit. Also, figure out how the treatment will be paid for if you loved one does not have enough money to pay for it herself. It may be advantageous to make the arrangements for her, assuming that she will agree to seek treatment during the intervention. This includes packing a bag, transportation plans, setting an appointment with the facility, and making a plane reservation, if applicable (Reference 2).

Intervention

• The intervention should be held in a familiar setting, such as a family member's home. Each participant should stay calm and let the addict know how much he is cared for. Use "I" statements, and do not speak for other participants. Stick to factual events that reveal how your loved one's addiction has affected your relationship with him.
  As intense as the intervention process is, try to keep the mood as positive as possible, even if your loved one gets confrontational. Tell him how much he means to your family, and that you would not be there if you did not care about his well-being.

  Keep in mind that the purpose of an intervention is to get an addict help, not simply to bring up incidents of the past. Overcoming addiction is a group effort. Let your loved one know that you are on her side.