When your loved one’s addiction has reached a crisis point and you’re ready to stage an intervention there are some things you should do and some things to avoid. In order to ensure that your message comes through in the most effective way, we’ve outlined some general guidelines for staging a formal intervention.
Before the intervention
First, it is important to seek help from a professional interventionist and addiction expert who can help you decide whether it is appropriate to stage an intervention and help you carry it out. Having the guidance of a professional to keep things on track is important for carrying out an effective intervention.
It is important to gather a small group of people (who are close to the addict and are affected by his or her addiction, excluding children.
Write out and practice what you will say, focusing on being kind and loving and explaining how your loved one’s addiction has affected you. Rehearse the intervention with the group in advance (often done the night before), at least once.
During the intervention
Set boundaries and limits with the addict and be firm. If the addict lives in your home, make it clear that they will no longer be able to live there if they keep using. Be prepared and make arrangements to send the addict to a rehab treatment center immediately, which is the most ideal situation.
If at all possible, don’t do the intervention while your loved one is under the influence. Being sober is the ideal situation so that their judgment is not impaired.
Remember to be loving, but firm. Express your emotions and don’t hold back your tears. It is important for your loved one to see how much their behavior is hurting you and how much you love them.
When you’re loved one has committed to getting help for their addiction, Northbound Treatment Services is there to provide comprehensive detox, counseling, and 12-step. We specialize in dual diagnosis and we offer gender specific programs. For more information about our rehab treatment services, click here.
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
