Written by: Stephanie Gillespie, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When a family member is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, it can feel overwhelming. However, a well-planned intervention can be a turning point, offering hope and support for both the individual and their concerned loved ones. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the critical components of interventions for substance misuse, from understanding the basics to navigating various intervention models and the benefits of involving a professional interventionist.
What is an intervention?
An intervention is a carefully organized and deliberate approach and is designed to assist individuals who are facing difficulties with substance abuse, mental health issues, or other related drug addiction problems. It provides a platform for open communication and support, with the ultimate goal of encouraging the individual to accept treatment with an addiction specialist.
While the process doesn't necessarily need to feel like a formal intervention, it is extremely important for family and friends to avoid being spontaneous in where and when the intervention takes place, as well as what they say when trying to sway their loved one's behavior.
The intervention's emphasis should be on positivity. While it is necessary for someone struggling with addiction to recognize the impact on the mental and emotional well-being of their family members and loved ones, the objective is not to assign blame for harm caused. Rather, the intention is to highlight the negative behavioral changes caused by the addiction and to present a solution: detoxification and participation in a comprehensive addiction treatment program.
Family and friends contemplating an intervention can either devise a plan on their own or seek professional help from an interventionist. This expert addiction professional will structure the planning process, provide direction to the intervention team, and oversee the overall event.
How to do an intervention
When staging an intervention for a family member or loved one struggling with addiction or mental illness, a carefully planned process is key. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can conduct a successful drug or alcohol abuse intervention:
1. Build a supportive team
Assemble a team of close friends, family members, and professionals to create a solid support system for your loved one. This could also include a social worker or health care professional, like a doctor, nurse or addiction professional.
Typically, it's best to include only immediate family, close friends, and colleagues in the intervention, but not people struggling with their own substance abuse challenges.
2. Educate yourself on substance abuse and mental illness
Knowledge is power. Understanding the specific substance or mental health issue that your loved one struggles with equips the team with insights to tailor their approach, fostering empathy and effective communication, and leads to better outcomes.
3. Nail down specifics
In order to execute a formal intervention, you should plan out the specific details, including who will be there, as well as the intervention site, date, and time. You should also plan the structure of the event, down to what each team member will say.
Effective communication is key to an effective intervention. Establishing a non-confrontational and supportive conversation that helps convey concerns and encourages the person struggling to consider a treatment option.
4. Come prepared with information on treatment centers for drug or alcohol addiction
Research treatment options and come prepared with information on available detox and residential treatment centers. Presenting a viable treatment approach emphasizes the potential for positive change and a healthier future.
5. Write statements from the heart
Each intervention team member should contribute personal reflections on your loved one's battle with addiction. These statements should be intimate and specific, outlining the ways in which the addiction has negatively affected their relationship with the person they care about.
Substance abuse can inflict profound wounds on relationships, and expressing these impacts through written statements can convey to the person struggling that their battle with alcoholism and drug dependence extends beyond their own well-being, without conveying any form of personal attack.
Impact statements should be filled with authentic, strong emotions and focus on expressing love, concern, and commitment to supporting your loved one in their journey towards recovery. This could include agreeing to attend family therapy sessions, giving them rides to treatment, and helping then get on their feet after rehab.
6. Keep your expectations realistic
While the goal is for your loved one to accept treatment, it's important to keep your expectations realistic. Recovery is a process, and immediate results may not always occur.
If the person refuses treatment, it becomes crucial for you to make changes in your relationship with them. Each person involved should pledge to stop codependent and enabling behaviors, but still ensure safety. It is so important to communicate clearly that there will be firm boundaries set if the person refuses to go to rehab or seek professional help.
7. Plan post-intervention support
The intervention process doesn't end once your loved one agrees to seek help at a treatment program. Ensure there's a plan for ongoing support post-intervention. This includes family involvement, support groups, and other resources to aid in your loved one's recovery journey.
Regardless of whether the person agrees to go to rehab or not, it is critical to honor the things you said during the intervention. Failure to do so may subject your loved one to heightened stress levels, potentially impeding their recovery process, increasing the risk of relapse, or exacerbating their alcohol or drug problem.
Things to avoid during an intervention
In the delicate process of conducting an intervention, it is imperative to exercise caution and avoid certain counterproductive actions. These pitfalls can hinder the effectiveness of the intervention and compromise the overall goal of encouraging the individual to accept treatment. Here some important things to avoid during an intervention with family members or loved ones:
Blame and Judgment: Steering clear of blaming language and judgmental tones is crucial. These can provoke defensiveness and hinder open communication.
Aggressive or Confrontational Language: The use of aggressive or confrontational language can escalate tension and resistance, hindering the chances of a positive outcome.
Ultimatums: Issuing ultimatums during formal interventions may create additional pressure and resistance. It's essential to foster a supportive environment rather than resorting to coercive measures.
By being mindful of these potential pitfalls, the intervention team can contribute to creating a compassionate and understanding atmosphere that maximizes the chances of your loved one agreeing to get help for their substance abuse problem or serious mental illness.
Types of interventions
There are multiple ways to stage an intervention for a loved one who is struggling with drug abuse or mental disorders. Understanding the different types of interventions is crucial for tailoring the intervention process to the specific requirements of your loved one and their situation. Here are some of the most popular types of interventions:
Brief intervention
A succinct and focused approach, the brief intervention is designed to address emerging issues that typically occur with substance abuse or mental health issues. It emphasizes early intervention and aims to create awareness and initiate positive behavioral changes in your loved one's life.
Crisis intervention
Applied in emergency situations, crisis intervention aims to prevent immediate harm, ensure safety and facilitate your loved one's access to necessary treatment and support. It is a rapid-response strategy to address acute crises effectively.
ARISE
ARISE (A Relational Intervention Sequence for Engagement) is a family-involved model that places a strong emphasis on compassion and collaboration. It involves family members in the intervention process, recognizing the vital role of a supportive network in the recovery journey.
The Johnson Model
Known for its confrontational approach, the Johnson Model seeks to break down denial and resistance in individuals struggling with substance abuse. By creating a structured confrontation, this model aims to motivate the individual to accept treatment.
Family systemic intervention
This comprehensive intervention approach involves the entire family system. Recognizing the impact of family dynamics on an individual's struggles, it addresses underlying issues within the family structure and fosters collective support for the person in need.
This approach also promotes the importance of developing a treatment plan that involves family therapy, participation in support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) , and learning life skills training from other group members for your adult family member struggling with drug use.
SMART Intervention
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) intervention employs a goal-oriented strategy. By setting clear and achievable objectives, this model enhances the intervention's effectiveness, emphasizing measurable progress throughout the process.
Ultimately, each of these specific intervention models brings a unique set of principles and methodologies to the table. Choosing the most suitable approach depends on your loved ones' circumstances, the severity of the situation, and the dynamics of their support system. The end goal is to tailor the intervention to optimize the chances of success and foster a positive path toward recovery.
Benefits of hiring a professional interventionist
When planning and executing an effective intervention for family members with a drug and alcohol problem, hiring a professional interventionist could be a great idea to significantly increase the likelihood that your loved one will choose to go to rehab. These skilled professionals bring a wealth of expertise, neutrality, and structured guidance to the intervention process.
Here are key benefits associated with hiring a professional interventionist:
Expertise in intervention strategies
Professional interventionists possess specialized training and experience in employing effective intervention strategies. Their expertise allows for a nuanced and strategic approach tailored to your loved one's unique circumstances.
Neutral third-party presence
The neutrality of a professional interventionist serves as a valuable asset. As an impartial third party, they can mediate discussions, mitigate potential conflicts, and maintain a focus on the primary objective – encouraging the person struggling to accept treatment.
Facilitates open communication
Communication is paramount in any intervention. A professional interventionist helps guide the conversation, ensuring that concerns are expressed with empathy and clarity. This fosters an environment where your loved one feels supported rather than attacked by their family and friends.
Increases the likelihood of successful intervention
Due to their experience and training, professional interventionists are truly adept at anticipating and addressing potential challenges during the intervention process. This proactive approach significantly increases the chances of your family member agreeing to go to rehab.
Incorporating a professional onto the intervention team can provide a structured and organized framework, elevating the overall effectiveness of the event. Their skillset and impartiality contribute to creating a safe space for your loved one, increasing the receptiveness to the message.
As families and intervention teams embark on this challenging journey, the benefits of a professional interventionist become evident in the form of enhanced communication, strategic guidance, and an increased likelihood of motivating the individual toward positive change.
Navigating the complexities of interventions for your loved one struggling with substance use disorders requires a combination of compassion, knowledge, and strategic planning. By following the steps outlined in this guide and exploring various intervention models, families can create an environment conducive to positive change.
Stephanie Gillespie, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stephanie Gillespie is a dedicated professional who has made a significant impact in the fields of developmental psychology, Autism, and Addiction Treatment. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology. Her 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages on the Autism spectrum provided her with a strong foundation for her transition into the Addiction Treatment field, where she now works as an Outreach Specialist for Patientize Digital Marketing. In this role, Stephanie leverages her expertise to help addiction treatment centers increase their online presence, ultimately reaching more individuals in need of support.
