Addiction Interventions: How to Stage One and Tips for Success

When someone you love struggles with substance use disorder (SUD), staging an intervention can be an effective way to convince them to go to therapy. An addiction intervention is a structured and carefully planned process where family members, friends, or a professional team confront a person struggling with substance use. 

The group comes together to take turns expressing to the individual how their behaviors have affected each person individually and why the group is concerned. The primary goal is to encourage the individual to recognize their substance abuse problem and to agree to seek treatment.

A successful intervention involves thorough planning. This often includes gathering a group of concerned individuals, consulting a professional interventionist, and selecting a treatment program beforehand. This guide explores when it’s time to stage an intervention and how to host an effective one.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use and need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Blue Star Recovery today.

Addiction Intervention

Hosting an intervention for a loved one with a substance use disorder can be a difficult decision, but there are clear signs that indicate it may be necessary. The earlier you recognize these signs, the better the chances of helping the person seek treatment and begin recovery.

Common signs of SUD include:

  • Noticeable deterioration in physical health, such as weight loss, poor hygiene, or frequent illnesses
  • Engaging in risky behaviors, like driving under the influence or getting into legal trouble
  • Ignoring responsibilities at work, school, or home, or failing to maintain daily routines
  • Declining mental health, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities
  • Repeated failed attempts to quit using substances despite recognizing the harm
  • Needing larger amounts of substances to achieve the same effects, signaling increased tolerance
  • Denying the severity of the problem or refusing help, even when confronted

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At Blue Star Recovery, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care that helps our clients heal, recover, and thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and how we can help you or your loved one start the journey toward lasting recovery.

How to Stage an Intervention Step By Step

There is a lot that goes into an intervention. 

Gather a Support Team

First, assemble a group of close family members, friends, and possibly a professional interventionist who genuinely care about the individual’s well-being. The group should consist of people who can remain calm, compassionate, and supportive throughout the process.

Research and Plan

Educate yourself and the group about the individual’s substance use and available treatment options. Outline a structured plan for the intervention, including what each person will say, and rehearse to ensure everyone stays on message during the actual intervention.

Hire a Professional (Optional but Recommended)

A professional interventionist can provide expertise, mediate conversations, and help ensure the process stays constructive. They can also help select treatment programs and assist in coordinating the logistics of getting the individual into treatment.

Decide on Consequences

If the person refuses treatment, the group must agree on clear consequences, such as cutting off financial support or limiting contact until they seek help. These consequences should be realistic, firm, and enforceable to motivate change without enabling substance use.

Prepare for Emotional Reactions

Expect emotional responses, such as anger, denial, or guilt, and be ready to handle them calmly. Participants should stick to the plan, avoid arguments or power struggles, and focus on showing love and concern for the person’s well-being.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Pick a time when the individual is least likely to be under the influence, and choose a quiet, private location where everyone feels comfortable. Ensuring the right environment helps create a space for productive conversation without distractions.

Hold the Intervention

Each person in the group will share their thoughts and experiences regarding how their substance use has impacted them and their relationship with the person. It’s important to express concern without judgment, using specific examples, and offer support in a non-confrontational way.

Offer a prearranged treatment plan, which could include therapy, or other addiction treatment services, and encourage immediate action. Ideally, arrangements should be made in advance to take the person directly to treatment if they agree so that there’s no time to change their mind.

Follow Through on Consequences

If the individual refuses treatment, it’s crucial to implement the agreed-upon consequences immediately. Following through reinforces the seriousness of the situation and sets clear boundaries to avoid enabling further substance use.

Offer Ongoing Support

Whether or not the person accepts treatment, continue offering support while respecting the boundaries you’ve established. Recovery is a long process, and ongoing encouragement, along with professional care, is vital for long-term success.

Tips for Staging a Successful Intervention

A drug and alcohol intervention can be stressful and emotional. It’s important to  involve a trained interventionist who can help guide the conversation, prevent emotional outbursts, and provide resources for treatment. They also improve the chances of a positive outcome.

Other key aspects of a successful intervention include:

  • Use compassionate language – Approach the person with love and concern rather than blame or judgment. Be specific about how their substance use has impacted you, but keep the tone supportive.
  • Stay patient – Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. Whether they accept treatment immediately or not, continue offering support and understanding as they navigate their path to recovery.
  • Be prepared for different reactions – Expect a range of emotions, from anger to denial. Stay calm and avoid arguing or escalating the situation, even if the person reacts negatively.
  • Set clear boundaries – If the person refuses treatment, enforce the consequences you’ve agreed on, such as withdrawing financial support or limiting contact. Boundaries help prevent enabling.
  • Stay focused on the issue – During the intervention, stick to the topic of substance use disorder and its consequences. Avoid bringing up past conflicts or unrelated issues that may create unnecessary tension.

Get Intervention Support Now

At Blue Star Recovery, we offer comprehensive, integrated treatment solutions for anyone suffering from substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. Our experienced team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care for those who are struggling with substance misuse and mental health issues. We understand that the journey to recovery can be challenging, but we are here to support our clients every step of the way.

To learn more about interventions or to find substance use disorder help for a loved one, please contact us today.