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Alcohol Intervention Tips

Alcohol abuse occurs when drinking negatively impacts a person's life, causing relationship problems, neglected responsibilities, legal consequences, endangering the individual or others or leading to alcoholism, a physical dependence on alcohol. One way to help a friend or loved one struggling with alcohol abuse is through an intervention, a planned gathering in which friends, family members, colleagues, clergy members or others confront the sufferer about the consequences of alcohol abuse and ask him to accept professional treatment. Interventions can be difficult, emotional situations, but preparation may increase your chances of success.

  1. Choose Treatment Options Before the Intervention

    • A number of alcohol abuse treatment programs exist, including inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities and self-help programs, such as Alcoholic's Anonymous. Before scheduling your intervention, locate treatment facilities in your area and determine the ones that seem to best fit your loved one's needs. Contact the facility or program to make sure they are prepared to enroll your loved one immediately after the intervention.

    Choose Intervention Members Carefully

    • Participants are an important part of the intervention process. Intervention participants should be people your loved one cares about and respects, and may include family members, friends, coworkers or clergy members. Do not include anyone your loved one does not like, or anyone who may cause a problem with the sufferer or sabotage the intervention, cautions MayoClinic.com.

    Plan the Intervention

    • Successful interventions require research on alcohol abuse and its treatment options, as well as careful planning. Educate yourself on these topics, and share this information with those participating in the intervention. Select a time for the intervention when your loved one is least likely to be under the influence of alcohol. Before the intervention, have all participants rehearse what they plan to say. You may also consider making any necessary travel arrangements and having a suitcase packed for your loved ones, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

    Be Patient and Prepared

    • Interventions are highly emotional situations for everyone involved, so it is important to maintain realistic expectations. You cannot force your loved one to seek treatment against his will, but you can provide him with reasons for seeking treatment, as well as treatment options and support. Be prepared for your loved one to resist seeking treatment, and respond calmly and rationally to any objections he makes. It is also important to know your limits during an intervention. Avoid hostile confrontations or emotional appeals, which may make your loved one feel worse about his situation and may compel him to drink more.

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