When a family member or close friend is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is easy to feel helpless. You show support in whatever ways you can, but when your loved one continues to use or relapse. It is difficult to set boundaries. Trying to avoid enabling their destructive behavior seems impossible. But you keep asking yourself, “Is staging an intervention a good idea?” You shouldn’t blame yourself for your loved one’s actions. However, it is important to know when stepping in and staging an intervention is necessary. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 2,390 people in Georgia died from drug overdoses in 2021.¹ Getting your loved one into an Atlanta detox treatment program could save their life.

How to Stage an Intervention

An intervention is different from simply confronting your loved one about their substance use. Making them feel guilty or shameful about their addiction will likely cause tension. An intervention should be well-planned. Interventions should not be confused with the clinical practice of brief interventions. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says brief interventions are not meant for people with serious substance use disorders. They should be used to motivate those at risk of developing an addiction to avoid using drugs or drinking.

An intervention usually consists of four to six family members or friends. These people should be able to disclose to the identified person how their destructive behaviors have impacted them. Some family members will write and read intervention letters to their loved ones. Following a loose intervention script might help keep the loved ones on track.

Rather than asking your loved one to stop using on their own, successful interventions should include a long-term treatment plan. Show them there are a variety of treatment options available. If the appeal is successful, immediately getting your loved one into a treatment facility is ideal. Any additional time between the intervention and admission to a facility could give them time to drink or use drugs. If your loved one is not high during the intervention, they likely begin to show withdrawal symptoms soon.

What to Say at an Intervention

When participating in an intervention, it is critical to approach the situation with empathy, honesty, and an understanding of your goals. An intervention is meant to urge someone who is battling addiction or destructive behavior to get assistance by expressing your concern for them.

Guidelines on what to say during an intervention include:

• Begin by expressing your love and concern for the individual. Let them know that your intentions come from a place of care and support.
• Share specific examples of how their behavior has impacted you and others. Be honest and direct, but avoid blaming or shaming language.
• Encourage them to seek professional help and offer your assistance in finding treatment options.
• Highlight the positive changes that seeking help could bring to their life and the lives of those around them.
• Reiterate your support and willingness to be there for them throughout the recovery process.

It’s important to remember that interventions can be emotionally charged situations, and it’s normal for there to be resistance or defensiveness from the individual. Stay calm, respectful, and focused on your message of love and concern. After expressing your thoughts, give the person time to process and respond. Be prepared for a range of reactions, and continue to offer your support and encouragement regardless of the outcome. Ultimately, the goal is to help the individual recognize the need for change and take steps towards a healthier, happier life.

Should I Hire an Interventionist?

Many families will hold interventions independently, but hiring a professional interventionist to facilitate should be carefully considered. If the person with addiction has a history of mental illness, suicide attempts, or violence, hiring an interventionist might be appropriate. These factors may be hard to avoid without a professional and could change the identified person’s mind about entering treatment. Without an addiction intervention specialist, a family might negotiate with the identified person. Negotiations often turn out to not be in the best interest of either party.

Where to Find Detox in Atlanta

Atlanta Detox Center is proud to offer the resources and support necessary for those whose interventions were successful enough to convince them to seek out help. We offer withdrawal treatment programs for substance use disorders for men and women. Our staff stands out among any detox in Georgia. Together, we can help you return to a place of peace and build a strong foundation of sobriety and recovery.

If a loved one is struggling with alcohol, prescription drugs, opioids, heroin, or crystal meth, there is help. Not sure where to start? Call us at 844-658-0927 for more information.

Source:

1. GDPH – Opioid and Substance Misuse