How to Schedule an Intervention

Interventions are used to help people overcome addictions and other self-destructive behaviors. They involve using significant people in the intended person's life. The goal of interventions is to approach the person in a caring and loving way and force him to look at how the addictive behavior is negatively impacting his life. The final desired outcome of the intervention is to convince the person to seek treatment. Interventions require planning and coordination if they are to be carried out successfully.

Things You'll Need

• Three to eight significant people
• Chairperson
• Paper
• Pens
• Meeting place
• List of treatment centers
• Packed suitcase

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Gather three to eight people who are important to the person the intervention is intended for. Schedule a meeting to plan the intervention and how everyone can help.

• 2

  Assign the roles. Choose a chairperson who will lead the intervention and a detail person who will keep track of what occurs.

• 3

  Put things in writing. Participants must create a letter to the person outlining their feelings toward him and how the addictive behavior is affecting their relationship. Everyone participating in the intervention will need to create lists. These lists include anything that may have enabled the addictive behavior. Everyone also needs to create a list of negative consequences that have resulted from the addictive behavior. Finally, everyone needs to list their "bottom lines" or what will result if the intended person does not agree to seek treatment.

• 4

  Create a list of all possible finance options to cover the cost of treatment. These may include the intended person's assets, insurance policies and friends and family who are willing to help financially.

• 5

  Choose a treatment center. Call ahead to make sure there is space available and arrange transportation for the person to leave immediately following the intervention. Inquire as to types of insurance the center may accept.

• 6

  Pack a suitcase for the person. The chosen treatment center will provide a guide as to what should be packed and what isn't allowed.

• 7

  Rehearse the intervention. Plan where everyone is to sit and in which order the participants will read their lists and letters. Discuss the details of the intervention with the person who is going to lead. In case of a negative reaction, designate one person in the intervention group to speak to the person on a one-on-one basis.