According to Jeff and Debra Jay, professional interventionists and authors, intervention is the most powerful tool you have when helping an addict seek treatment. The process involves bringing together a group of people closest to the addict so that they may break through his denial by using love and honesty. Interventions can be limited to the family or can include a professional interventionist to help guide you through the process. Regardless of what you choose, it takes planning to be effective.
Step 1
Explore the addiction. Before you begin in-depth planning, learn as much as you can about your loved one's addiction and the severity of it. His addiction could be worse than you originally thought. Doing this also allows you to plan ahead and make arrangement for treatment if he agrees to it at the end of your intervention.
Step 2
Form your team. This is the most important part of the process; choosing the wrong people to participate in the intervention could result in disaster. According to the Mayo Clinic, include four to six people who are the most important to the addict. He should respect, love or admire these people, which may make him more apt to listen to them. In some cases, you may need to include a professional interventionist. This is a personal choice and not required for an intervention to be successful, but it's helpful in certain situations. Some examples of these would be if the addict denies any drug use, has any pending legal issues or has a history of violence.
Step 3
Decide what to say. This is also a vital part of the process as you attempt to show her how her addiction is hurting her and those around her. Each person in the group takes turns recalling specific moments when her drug addiction has caused emotional, financial and health problems. While doing this, reiterate that you love her and know she can change.
Step 4
Choose consequences. Just as there are rewards for good behavior, there must be consequences for unacceptable behavior. If your loved one still refuses to admit he has a problem and will not seek treatment, send the message that you won't tolerate his behavior any longer. This can be by telling him to move out, refusing to let him see his children or choosing not to help him financially anymore.
Step 5
Choose the right time. Timing is of the essence when holding an intervention. The optimal times are when something major has just occurred in the addict's life; something that would help her realize she needs help. This can include an arrest, an overdose, being left by a spouse or mate because of her addiction or after she has stolen to buy more drugs. All of these events may make her feel as though her world is crashing down around her; the intervention may be just enough to send her into treatment.
