6 Tips for Staging an Alcohol Intervention

Your loved one’s journey doesn’t end when their treatment program is over. They will continue to need your support as they walk their journey, one day at a time. Ultimately, the interventionist’s goals are to act as a mediator during the intervention and as a guide for next steps based on the outcome of the effort. They can help arrange treatment if the individual agrees to get help. This contribution is often key, because uncertainty about which program to choose or what to look for in a program are common barriers that keep people from seeking treatment. An intervention should be small, with no more than six or seven people present.

Work With Confidant Health For Alcohol Help

Even if a professional interventionist is on hand to guide the process, there is no guarantee that the addicted individual will seek help after the intervention process. This does not mean that an intervention shouldn’t be staged, especially if there are urgent substance use issues that cause you to be concerned for the person’s life or mental health. An alcohol intervention is an attempt to get a loved one to seek treatment for their drinking. During the intervention, attendees share their thoughts and feelings about their loved one’s potential how to do an intervention for an alcoholic alcohol abuse disorder. An interventionist or addiction specialist deals with these issues as a career and a passion.

Recovery Ranger

This is why many professionals recommend practicing what you will say or writing it down ahead of time in order to keep the conversation on topic. Once you have established the specifics about the intervention including individuals involved and topics to be discussed, it is time to schedule a time and place for the meeting. Realize that an intervention can trigger a wide range of emotions, so prepare yourself for both a good or bad reaction. Use the information you find to start putting a plan in place about what to discuss and who to include in the intervention.

When is it Necessary to Stage an Intervention?

• All of these professionals have the information and skills necessary to assist your loved one to the road to recovery.
• Keep in mind that, when you stage an intervention, the goal is to stir up that desire for help.
• During an intervention, the participants will come together in a supportive and caring way to confront the individual with the consequences of their drinking or drug use.
• The Mayo Clinic explains that interventions offer an opportunity to make changes and accept help before addiction issues get worse.
• It’s important to understand that recovery is a life-long process.
• The goal is to identify a time when they don’t have any major responsibilities (like childcare or work), are less likely to be under major stress, and are more likely to be sober.

Some people may hire a professional interventionist, while others will gather family members and friends who they believe the person will listen to. Whether dealing with someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, it is vital that this meeting is handled with delicacy. There should be planning, preparation, and a careful selection of people who are involved.

When Is the Right Time for an Intervention?

We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery. Submit your number to receive a call today from a treatment provider. Most planned interventions—in which family members, friends and other attendees are fully educated and trained what is alcoholism for the situation—are highly successful. On average, about 90 percent of loved ones struggling with an AUD will commit to getting treatment after an intervention.

Keys to a Successful Intervention

Watching someone you care about struggle with addiction, mental health issues, or destructive behavior can be heartbreaking. You want to help, but don’t know where to start or how to approach them. During the conversation with your loved one, give examples to support your concerns. Focus on the emotional, physical, personal and professional problems that have occurred due to their excessive drinking habits. Pinpointing specific situations will help your loved one understand where you are coming from and what needs to change.

They can help handle difficult situations, manage resistance and guide the discussion. They also assist in planning the intervention and choosing the best treatment options. Since professional interventionists are trained in understanding addiction and its treatment, they can help the intervention process to be more successful. Families start to learn about their loved one’s addiction and behaviors. This process extends from the education received from the interventionist during the formal family day meeting and is much more comprehensive. Families also learn about their behaviors and roles in the family system and understand the importance of their recovery.

• Whatever statements are made during the meeting should be held up after.
• Specialists can draw on their experience to help you understand common reactions, as well as how you should respond to them.
• If you need advice on how to do an intervention for an alcoholic the right way, simply contact our team.
• Once you have a good understanding of what you’re up against, you can start to plan your intervention.

How To Stage an Intervention: Do’s and Don’ts

In addition to monitoring, individuals are taught to identify specific triggers—whether they are emotional, environmental, or social. For example, stress might trigger a desire to drink, or a specific group of friends might create an environment where drinking feels unavoidable. Once triggers are identified, the individual can work on developing specific coping strategies. This might involve using relaxation techniques, engaging in physical activity, or having a “plan B” for social situations that don’t revolve around alcohol. Empathy involves understanding and acknowledging the client’s feelings without judgment.

To determine if an intervention is necessary, look for the following signs that staging an intervention could be an appropriate next step. Keep in mind that, when you stage an intervention, the goal is to stir up that desire for help. By the end of the intervention, the hope is that the individual will realize they need help and want to get treatment. It’s not always easy to tell when a loved one struggling with drugs or alcohol is in need of professional help. You may not have control over your loved one accepting help, but you do have control over your response to the substance user’s behavior. When we protect other people’s feelings, we ultimately protect our own.

Incorporate research-based examples or information from credible sources like the Mayo Clinicto support your points. An intervention can be emotionally charged and challenging to navigate without guidance. Engaging a professional interventionist can help facilitate the discussion, ensuring the process is structured and effective.