One of the most heart-wrenching things is witnessing your loved one battle a substance addiction. The physical and emotional toll that addiction has on you and your family can be overwhelming.
If your loved ones addiction is destroying your family, it is time to stage an intervention. Here are 6 steps that will help you stage a successful intervention.
Enlist the Help of a Professional
Substance addiction is a complex process. A mental health professional who specializes in substance abuse has experience coordinating interventions. Prior to any intervention, you should meet with a trusted professional to create guidelines for the intervention.
A professional will help you determine the best time for the meeting. You can also discuss the things you will say at the intervention. In some instances, the professional may attend the intervention to support you.
This step is one of the most important parts of the planning phase. A poorly coordinated intervention can result in sending your loved one deeper into addiction.
Enlist the Help of Your Family Members
An intervention can be an overwhelming process. Resist the urge to go it alone. Contact family members to support you.
If necessary, you can solicit support from your spiritual advisors, friends and colleagues. Any person who has a vested interest in seeing your loved one achieve sobriety can take part in the intervention. The intervention should consist of three to six people.
Practice the Dialogue
The purpose of an intervention is to show support for your addicted loved one. It is important to rehearse the dialogue prior to the intervention. Refrain from using phrases that are offensive.
In the intervention, you should always reinforce your love and concern for your loved one. You also want to verbalize the impact that the addiction is having on the lives of family members.
Set Consequences for Your Loved Ones Actions
Although you want to support your loved one, you want to be careful not to enable the behavior. Make it clear that you will no longer enable the substance abuse. You can do this by sharing the consequences of continued substance abuse. For instance, if your loved one does not get help, you will ask them to move to another home. Once the consequences are set, stick with them.
Research Treatment Centers
The end goal of the intervention is to get immediate help for your loved one. Prior to the intervention, you should research treatment centers and find one that is appropriate for your loved one. As soon as your loved one agrees to treatment, take them to the center.
Timing Is Everything
Interventions should take place only when your loved one is sober. It is never a good idea to discuss treatment with an abuser who is under the influence.
Staging an intervention is an important step to getting your loved one the help that is needed. By following these guidelines, you can coordinate a successful intervention.