How to Conduct an Alcohol Intervention

When an alcoholic refuses help or assistance, family members may need to conduct an intervention. An alcohol intervention confronts the drinker with the seriousness of his disease and offers a solution in the form of treatment and rehabilitation. Interventions should be used as a last resort, after life's consequences have proven unsuccessful. Life consequences include situations like legal ramifications and job, financial or relationship loss. Informal conversations using confrontation have also proven ineffective, as the alcoholic remains stuck in denial.

Instructions

• 1

  State your feelings, observations and conclusions about the alcoholic clearly and concisely. Several close friends and family members should agree ahead of time on what these conclusions will be and clearly inform the alcoholic. Sometimes, employers can successfully be a part of an intervention, if the alcoholic is working. Writing down ideas in a letter helps you present your thoughts.

• 2

  Agree about a drinking goal, such as "to stop drinking completely by" a certain date. Outline a concrete plan toward reaching the goal. You will have to do this for the alcoholic, as she is in no condition, physically or emotionally, to make these types of decisions.

• 3

  Enlist the help of an interventionist, if needed. An objective third party with extensive experience in the field can assist in overcoming the alcoholic's arguments. The interventionist will also use medical information and statistics to address the alcoholic's concerns.

• 4

  Arrange for treatment, or at the very least, attendance at support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The alcoholic has most likely attempted to overcome his own addiction, with unsuccessful results. Outside assistance will aid him in his recovery.

• 5

  Suggest detoxification or medically supervised withdrawal, depending on the seriousness of the addiction. Some patients may need a prescription to reach the goal of alcohol abstinence.

• 6

  Prepare to address objections through loving concern. Anticipate resistance and determine practical responses to objections. Set boundaries and consequences for unacceptable behavior. Refuse to continue to enable alcoholic behavior. Follow through with consequences.