How to Confront a Loved One With Alcohol Dependency

Confronting a loved one about alcohol dependency can be nerve-wracking, but it can also give the individual the push she needs to get help. An addict often do not see the negative effects her addiction has on herself and others. Here's how to make an intervention successful.

Things You'll Need

• Professional interventionist

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Instructions

• 1

  Recruit family and friends to help plan the intervention. Gather information about alcohol dependency, and research treatment options including specific inpatient programs. For those with severe problems, make prior arrangements for admittance to a structured hospital program. Form the actual intervention team---the group of people who will be there when you confront your loved one. This group usually consists of four to six people. They should be people who are important in the life of your loved one. Set a date and location for the intervention. Try to pick a time when your loved one will be least likely to be under the influence. Group members attending the intervention should write down what they want to say. Keep the plan confidential. The planning stage could take several weeks.

• 2

  Decide on consequences. If your loved one refuses to seek treatment, you will need a list of consequences to present to him. Family may ask the patient to move out, or they may stop lending him money, for example.

• 3

  Ask the loved one to come to the intervention site, without telling her the reason. When she arrives, group members will take turns reading their letters and expressing their concerns. Back up concerns with specific incidents when your loved one's drinking has caused problems.

• 4

  Present your loved one with treatment options. Ask for an immediate answer. If he refuses, present your list of consequences. Follow through on the consequences.

• 5

  Follow up. Family and friends need to stay involved and possibly change their own behaviors in order to prevent relapse. A friend who is recovering from addiction may be especially helpful in your loved one's recovery.