Drug or alcohol addiction is a sensitive subject that may be difficult for the addict, friends, and family to accept and talk about. However, getting an addict help for their addiction is the best thing that you can do for them. Interventions are formal support groups that address the topic of addiction and addiction recovery head-on in an effort to acknowledge the situation and find a resolution, with a typical goal of enrolling the addict in rehab.
Staging an intervention can be overwhelming, and it is important it is done correctly. A good intervention will feel comfortable and supportive, and in no way like a “gang-up.” Here are a few tips for hosting a successful intervention for your loved one.
First, select a time when the addict is as sober as possible. While this may be difficult for serious users, it is critical to have the clearest mind during the intervention. Additionally, the intervention should be staged in a loving, supportive manner and never as an attack.
Select attendees carefully.
Selecting those who will be in attendance is important for hosting a successful intervention. Members of the group should be limited and should share a close relationship with the addict. The group should be people that the addict considers important, whose opinions matter. People who should not be included are those with causal relationships, anyone who is not supportive, or anyone that may have contributed to the addiction, in any way. An intervention is not the time to bring up issues or settle arguments, so it is wise to select only a few people who can provide a compelling argument for why the addict should take the help that is being offered. It is not a bad idea to hire an interventionist or invite a mediator to keep everyone on track, as an intervention can be a very emotional event.
Choose a formal venue.
It may be tempting to attempt to conduct an intervention in your living room, however, a formal, private venue is a much better option. Everything about the intervention should be formal and stand alone as an event; this helps the addict understand exactly what is going on and allows them to realize this is not a simple conversation. Using an off-site location ensures that the addict is not uncomfortable in what is considered their “safe space.” A neutral location is less likely to have distractions, and the unfamiliarity of the place can help encourage them to focus on the discussion and the decision at hand.
Rehearse with a script.
It is important to rehearse. While it may be tempting to “speak from the heart,” interventions are very emotional. Having a script allows attendees to review what has been written and ensure that everything they need to say is included. A script will help when emotions are high and you suddenly blank on all the things you wanted to say.
Keep an open, supportive environment.
At all times, the environment should be open and supportive, regardless of the reaction of the addict. Tempers should be kept in check and it should be well understood beforehand that the addict is not likely to take the intervention well.
Offer immediate treatment and prepare a backup plan.
The intended outcome of an intervention is enrollment into an addiction recovery rehabilitation program. Transportation and admission should already be set up so that, in the event the addict agrees, they can go immediately. This is critical and cannot be stressed enough. It is essential to get the addict enrolled and under the care of a treatment team before they change their mind, and especially before detoxing begins.
In the event that your loved one does not react well to the intervention and refuses to go to rehab, be armed with a backup plan, perhaps a counselor or an outpatient rehab clinic to take them to as a compromise. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to never give up. Express your concern and maybe plan another intervention, but never give up. Just because the first try doesn’t yield immediate results does not mean that it didn’t have a significant impact that could lead to future treatment. And, try, try again.
If you need help with your loved one’s addiction, contact us at Metropolitan Rehabilitation Center. We are your go-to drug rehab in Detroit and are dedicated to helping the addicts of Oak Park to overcome their addictions. Call us for more information about our programs or how to help your loved one today.