Five Step Intervention Procedures

An intervention is an attempt by friends and family to encourage an individual to receive treatment for an addiction. While interventions are typically for individuals who have drug and alcohol problems, other issues may include gambling and eating disorders. No matter how well-intentioned an intervention, it's important to remember that it's up to the individual to determine whether she is ready for treatment.

Determine Treatment Options

• Before an intervention takes place, it's important to research and determine the treatment options available for an addiction. When looking for possible facilities, you may want to take into account the location, addiction specialties, cost and rate of success. Once you have determined the treatment location, notify the facility about admitting the patient the day of the intervention or soon thereafter.

Plan the Intervention

• After determining the treatment facility but before executing the intervention, you need to gather the friends and family that are going to be involved in the procedure. Friends and family have to talk about the intervention and what they are going to say and do to help their loved one get the help he needs. The group may decide to tell stories about how the addiction has affected his life and the lives of those around him.

Intervention

• The intervention can take place in any location deemed appropriate, such as the home or the workplace. According to InterventionToday.com, interventions typically take place the morning after planning it. In addition to friends and family, interventions may include co-workers and spiritual advisers. While expressing their concerns for the health and welfare of their loved one, it's important for the group to remain nonjudgmental when presenting observations about any negative behaviors.

Treatment

• Treatment is another step in the process and needs to begin immediately following the intervention. Depending on the severity of the addiction, inpatient or outpatient services may be recommended. Once an individual arrives at the treatment facility, she is assessed and treatment can begin. While some may have to stay on site to detox, others may begin counseling with a licensed drug and rehabilitative therapist.

Follow Up

• After treatment is completed, it's important for an individual to continue to receive support in his battle against an addiction. Therapy may be helpful to prevent a relapse from happening, and to make the transition back into sobriety. The post-treatment time is vital for the individual to become a healthy and independent member in society. Arrangements may need to be made to ensure the patient makes it to his therapy appointments.