Many people are often in denial when it comes to the severity of their addiction to the point where they do not want to seek or be offered help. Holding an intervention may assist not only your loved one who struggles with addiction but you too.
Mayo Clinic explains the seven steps you can follow in order to assist your loved one on the road to recovery.
Step 1: Make a plan
A close relative or friend of the person will form a planning group. It is best to consult a qualified professional, such as an interventionist, addiction professional, psychologist or mental health counsellor to assist in organising an effective intervention.
Step 2: Gather information
The group of planning members will gather more information about the problems the person is facing, as well as research any treatment programmes.
Step 3: Form the intervention team
From the group of planning members, choose people to form a team who will participate in the actual intervention. These people will set a date and location. They will also work together to present a structured plan and a consistent and rehearsed message.
Step 4: Decide on specific consequences
This is the part where you as a group decide on what actions to take should your loved one not accept treatment.
Step 5: Make notes on what you want to say
Each person in the team describes specific incidents when the addiction caused problems in their lives, for example, emotional or financial issues. Members can also discuss the toll of the person’s behaviour, while still showing that they care, as well as the expectation that the person can change.
Step 6: Hold the intervention meeting:
Without letting your loved one know that you are holding an intervention, ask them to join you at the intervention site. Each team member should then take turns to express their concerns and feelings.
Present your loved one with a treatment option and ask them to accept it on the spot. If they do not accept treatment, present them with the consequences (step 5) you have discussed.
However, do not threaten a consequence unless you are sure you will follow through with it.
Step 7: Follow up with your loved one
Involving family members or friends is crucial in helping someone with an addiction to stay in treatment and avoid relapsing. For example, you can offer to participate in counselling with them.
