Tips For Holding An Intervention For Someone You Love That's Addicted To Drugs Or Alcohol

If someone you care about is addicted to alcohol or drugs, you're probably desperate for them to get help. However, treatment is only successful when the addict wants to get well. It can be difficult to convince your loved one to seek help when they don't realize the depth of their problem. One approach that might help is to stage an intervention. An intervention can be unpredictable and emotionally draining. Here are some suggestions that might help it go more smoothly.

Bring In An Addiction Specialist

Look for specialist trained in interventions for addition to help you. You need a neutral party at the intervention to keep the lines of communication open. Otherwise, when you approach your loved one, it could turn into an ugly fight that doesn't get the results you hoped for. An interventionist trains you in how to act and respond to your loved one so tensions don't rise. The specialist also guides the conversation so it stays on track and encourages your loved one to agree to get help.

Put Your Feelings In Writing

Rather than attacking and blaming your loved one, an intervention is about letting your loved one know how much you care about them and how their addiction hurts you. This can bring your loved one back to reality long enough to agree to treatment. However, it's best to put your feelings on paper so you read them rather than speak spontaneously. This keeps you from reacting and saying the wrong things. By reading your letter, your words are from the heart, but they are controlled so they have a bigger impact on your loved one and don't cause him or her to become defensive. The interventionist may even read your letters first and offer advice on the right things to say and the things you need to avoid.

Try To Arrange The Intervention During A Sober Time

It may be difficult or impossible to hold the intervention when your loved one is sober, but it is best to aim for that goal. The response from your loved one may be more predictable and less defensive if he or she is sober. Drugs or alcohol can make a person feel invincible, and your loved one may even deny they have an addiction, so catching them during the time of day when they are likely to be sober is important. You'll also want to hold the intervention in your home or another safe place so there is no feeling of being trapped or ganged up on.

Even if you do everything right, the intervention may not get the results you want. However, you don't want to give up on the one you love. You can always try again later, especially if an event such as a health emergency or problems with the law develop due to the addiction. Follow the lead of the addiction specialist who can guide you through the painful process of living with an addict and getting them help.

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