With a growing number of people struggling with addiction, the chances of you having a loved one or friend who has a problem with the likes of alcohol, gambling and drugs is ever-increasing.
Often it’s a case that they may not even be aware they have a problem, burying their head in the sand and ignoring the fact that their booze or cocaine habit is causing issues in relationships and significantly deteriorating their health to the point where you want to step in.
Staging an intervention and ensuring your loved one gets the alcohol, gambling, drugs or cocaine rehab they need can be a tricky process and a pathway you do need to tread carefully with. However, they aren’t impossible, and a good startpoint can be with these top tips…
Plan Thoroughly
Firstly, you need to plan well. Meticulous planning is required in order for an intervention to work successfully. You need to do a large amount of research, mainly to understand the person’s addiction, behaviour and how it is shaping them. Plenty of research from home is a good option, while you should also consider speaking to a consultant or other professional in the space that can provide valuable insights and help you create the structure for your intervention.
Alongside this, speak to other people close to your loved one, such as family members or friends who have a concern for them. It’s strength in numbers, but at the same time you do need people on board that can speak calmly and respectfully.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Timing is incredibly important and you need to ensure that you choose a time that they are likely to be sober, as well as in an environment that’s comfortable to them. You should avoid periods of high stress, while you also want to avoid distractions and interruptions.
A familiar environment will help the person feel less on the back foot and defensive, and be more open to the conversation and what’s being said.
Communicate with Compassion
The way in which you communicate is really vital. You want to express your concerns, but you need to ensure you do so compassionately. Don’t use anger or judgement, and be sure to discuss how the person’s behaviour affects you personally.
Talk about how you care, don’t use terms such as “you’re ruining your life”.
Each person involved with the intervention should prepare a statement beforehand and be clear in what they want to say. This can aid in keeping the conversation focused, as well as preventing it from becoming confrontational. You want to make them understand the impact of their actions rather than playing any kind of blame game or shaming.
Present a Plan for Treatment
An intervention should not just highlight the problem but also offer a solution. Research and present options for treatment, whether it's a rehab programme, counselling, or support groups. Having concrete plans ready demonstrates your commitment to supporting their recovery and makes it easier for the individual to take the first step towards getting help.
Be prepared to handle different responses. The person might agree to seek help immediately, or they may react with denial, anger, or refusal. Having a professional present can help manage these reactions and steer the conversation back to the goal of getting help.
Set Boundaries and Follow Through
Setting clear boundaries is crucial during an intervention. Explain the consequences if the person refuses to seek help. These boundaries should be reasonable and enforceable, such as limiting financial support or refusing to cover for their behaviour any longer.
Equally important is following through on these boundaries. Consistency reinforces the seriousness of the situation and shows that you are committed to their recovery. It’s also vital for your own well-being and prevents you from being drawn into enabling behaviours.
