Drug interventions are a way to help addicts realize the full extent of their addiction and how it affects not only their lives, but the lives of those closest to them. As Narconon--a drug rehab and addiction treatment center--explains, alcoholics and drug addicts usually don't know they have a problem until forced to confront it. A drug intervention provides them objective feedback about their behavior in a non-judgmental, compassionate way. Following drug intervention tips can help ensure that the process unfolds as smoothly as possible.
Decide Who Will Attend
The website Drug-Rehabilitation.org recommends inviting four to six close friends and/or family members to attend the intervention. Every person should be an adult, and should be someone the person's addiction has affected in some way.
Choose a Time and Place
The location should be someplace where the addict feels comfortable; if he feels out of place, the intervention may go awry. Narconon recommends conducting the intervention during a time when the addict is sober and straight. This allows him to fully understand everything the participants are saying with a clear mind.
Ask For Help
While the help of a professional interventionist isn't necessary, it is helpful. An interventionist is a licensed professional who can keep the process focused and on track, as it can a very emotional and difficult experience. She can also keep the process productive and help mediate should the situation become confrontational.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Prior to the intervention, all participants should meet to discuss all possible scenarios, remind each other of the purpose and ultimate goal and coordinate the activities such as who will speak and when. While the words of each individual carry different meaning for the addict and should be kept private until the day if the intervention, it may help the participants to meet multiple times as a means of moral support for one another.
Make Plans for Treatment
The goal of the intervention is for the addict to go into rehabilitation. Therefore, prior to the intervention, family members need to research various treatment centers and make plans ahead of time for their loved one to attend beginning the day of the intervention. Prepare for this by having his bags packed in case he agrees; procrastinating by even a second allows him time to change his mind.
Choose Specific Consequences
When writing down how the addict's actions have affected each person individually, it is vital for each participant to follow through with a set of consequences they are prepared to follow through on should she not choose to attend a treatment center. Whether this be no longer buying her groceries to kicking her out of the house, it is important for her to see that she will be alone if she continues living her life in a negative manner.
Use the "I" Statement
When speaking to the addict, always begin by saying, "I don't like what the drugs are doing to your life," rather than, "You have made my life hell with your drug use." Using the "I" statement is much softer and doesn't sound as if the addict is being accused, which would place him on the defensive.
Speak With Love
The addict needs to know she is loved and that the intervention is being done out of love. Regardless of her past mistakes, she needs to realize that everyone still cares and that she is worthy of making herself whole again through treatment.
Listen
Narconon explains that when the addict begins asking what treatment center he will go to and how long he needs to stay, he is actually asking for help--this is a good sign. The site recommends directing him to either the interventionist or a professional from the facility--do not answer him directly. This is when his bags are brought to him and travel arrangements are made to take him to the facility that is awaiting his arrival.
