Family intervention strategies are often used to motivate a loved one to seek treatment for alcohol or drug abuse or other addictive behaviors such as compulsive gambling and eating disorders. Although intervention is designed to be nonjudgmental, the intention is to help the addicted person recognize that her life is in crisis. Because individuals are unique in their needs, there is no generic formula for a successful intervention strategy. Nonetheless, there are some basic components of intervention to consider.
Consequences
Although the purpose of an intervention is to communicate a message of love and genuine concern to the addicted person, consequences should also be established in the event that the individual does not agree to go for treatment. Any consequences should not be punitive but rather chosen to protect the addicted person's health. Often the alcoholic or drug addict does not consider the health problems that his substance abuse can create. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse not only weakens the body's immune system but can also lead to risky behaviors. Unfortunately, many addicts must hit bottom before they seek help. Yet bear in mind that if the approach is too harsh, the intervention may succeed only at raising the individual's defenses. The goal of an intervention is to get your loved one to admit that he has a problem and be willing to ask for help on his own.
Withdrawing Support
Denial prevents an addicted person from realizing the damage she is causing to her own life, as well as to the lives of those people who care about her. The problem is that many alcoholics and drug addicts do not realize just how serious the problem is. But by withdrawing your support and no longer enabling the person, you make it more likely that she will get help. KCI.com, a website that offers facts, research articles, discussion forums and other resources related to methamphetamine abuse, points out that family members must determine whether they are actually helping or simply enabling the addicted person. Withdrawing support can be difficult for family members who are angry, frustrated or in denial themselves. However, matters are frequently made worse when those close to the individual make excuses or deny that a problem exists in order to cope. Denial on anyone's part can create a major obstacle to recovery.
Counseling and Support
Family members can often cope better with a loved one's dependency when they understand more about the disease and its overall effects. Community and online support groups are available to recovering alcoholics and addicts, as well as their families. Mental health experts at the Mayo Clinic explain that a family intervention works to encourage a person to go into treatment and therapy, thereby improving the quality of life for all those involved. In some cases, family members participate in the addicted person's treatment or rehabilitation program. Because addiction can create stress for everyone, family counseling focuses on the needs of the entire family. Counseling not only helps family members to deal with the issues of a loved one's addiction but also serves to help develop better communication within the family in addition to more effective coping skills.
