The word Intervention in regards to recovery immediately sets most people on edge. Through the years, intervention has been a confronting, often surprise attack on the addicted loved one to force them into recovery. Television has displayed a lot of drama behind the intervention process. So if these shows have turned you away from the idea of an intervention, remember that no two families are the same, so no two interventions should be either. Most importantly, the intervention should be a compassionate, encouraging environment that incentivizes the person struggling with drug addiction to seek help.
What is an intervention?
A successful intervention is a well-planned intervention. It should never be a spontaneous event. What the family members say should be planned, on topic, and avoid blame, judgment, or anything hurtful that will make the person struggling with addiction close down and potentially refuse help. Interventions should be focused on positive thoughts and come with a solution, typically drug and alcohol rehabilitation. If you are nervous about planning an intervention on your own, there are intervention specialists you can reach out to at Beachcombers Rehabilitation Delray; they have experts to help you plan your intervention and rehabilitation journey.
Steps in an Intervention:
Step 1: Get Help. An intervention is a complex process, and you’ll need support from a professional and loved ones to accomplish it.
Step 2: Find your Team. Choose your team members from close family and friends who the person struggling feels strongly about, do not include anyone who participates in abusing drugs or alcohol in this team to make sure the loved one has no one to deflect.
Step 3: Plan. Set a date, time, location, and guest list. Outline the process and what everyone plans to say.
Step 4: Understand the Situation and Its Severity. Understand the substance, addiction level, and the recovery process, and find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that will fit them.
Step 5: Write your Statement. Discuss how the relationship has changed, the dangers you see, and what changes need to happen. The statements should be focused on love and not include personal attacks.
Step 6: Help. The people participating should offer to help by walking alongside their loved ones in the recovery process. That could look like going to meetings, offering rides, or therapy.
Step 7: Set Boundaries. If your loved one decides not to get treatment, everyone must agree to set boundaries not to enable or create codependency with the person struggling with addiction. Make the consequences of not attending clear.
Step 8: Rehearse. As a result of the emotions that come to light in interventions, it’s best to rehearse your part to make sure you can speak calmly, know when to speak, and even when to let others talk.
Step 9: Rein in Expectations. TV and media often portray the addict as emotionally moved and accepting help, but this isn’t always the case. That’s why it’s important to have boundaries set before you intervene; if they do not agree to go to rehab, you must follow those consequences.
Step 10: Follow Through. Follow up on your promises from the intervention, and make sure they have someone to come to when they decide they need help or relapse.
When interviewed, many past residents of Beachcomber Rehabilitation Delray wouldn’t have gone to residential rehab without an intervention. Intervention is a complicated process but can save a loved one’s life. Intervention can give them the push they need to make the necessary changes. Beachcomber Rehabilitation Delray can help you set up a plan to get your loved ones the help they need to navigate life sober.