Guiding You Through Your Road to Recovery by Treating the Mind, Body, Soul and Spirit.
We Are Intervention Specialists
One of the earliest steps in helping your loved one deal with their addiction is to stage an intervention. This process can help your loved one understand how harmful and dangerous their addiction is, but it can also backfire and deal more damage to your already fragile relationship.
Here at Good Landing Recovery, we do encourage families to hold interventions for their loved ones with the help of an intervention specialist. We also offer resources to help you understand the elements of a successful intervention and how you should go about reaching out to your loved one. We’ve outlined some of this information below, and we hope you reach out to us if you’re planning an intervention for your loved one.
The Definition of an Intervention
First, it’s important to understand what is and what isn’t an intervention. Some people’s idea (often from television or movies) is that intervention involves confronting the addict. These fictional interventions usually either end with the addict instantly realizing they need help or storming out. In reality, an intervention is a process that is very carefully planned. The loved ones and our trained intervention specialists have worked for days to prepare, and we’re here to lead the process. Interventions aren’t spur of the moment gatherings, and the intervention itself will likely not receive the credit for recovery (because it’s an ongoing process). However, the intervention can start the process.
When Should You Host an Intervention?
It can be difficult to know when an intervention is appropriate. If you suspect a loved one is battling with drug addiction, the first thing you should try is approaching them in private. If you and others have attempted this and it’s clear your loved one isn’t receptive, then moving on to an intervention may be necessary. Here are some other signs that an intervention is the right move:
Your loved one is highly defensive and is not willing to listen to anyone’s thoughts about their substance abuse.
They are in denial about how bad their addiction is and what problems it’s causing.
Their drug use has become very frequent or regular.
They have experienced a number of setbacks and difficulties due to their addiction.
The Intervention Process
If you want to hold an intervention for your loved one, we recommend the following process:
Contact us. You will want a professional intervention specialist involved if you truly want to help your loved one. You also need resources and support, especially if you’ve never been a part of an intervention before. Learn about what addiction is, talk to us about addiction treatment in Atlanta, and gather resources to provide for your loved one.
Reach out to those people you want to involve. An intervention isn’t a party, nor should it be open to everyone the addict knows. Look at those people who are most able to support your loved one and have been greatly affected by their addiction. Family members, close friends, and even close coworkers are ideal participants. Don’t include anyone who has their own addiction issues, and generally you shouldn’t involve younger children.
Sit down with loved ones and make a plan. Decide when to hold the intervention, who will be there, who will lead the meeting if you don’t have an intervention specialist, and what each person will talk about.
Each person who will participate should then write statements to read during the intervention. These personal statements are better than making verbal remarks because you can take the time to edit them. You want to make certain your statements are not accusatory or include personal attacks. They should be honest and always come from a place of love. An intervention specialist can help you focus these statements and identify anything negative in them.
Be ready to offer help. Everyone involved in the intervention should be ready to help your loved one in whatever means they can. Some may be able to assist financially, while others may only be able to offer their love. Both can invaluable during the recovery process.
Have a plan for dealing with anger and hostility. If your loved one makes it clear they do not want help and will not go to substance abuse treatment, everyone present needs to present a united front going forward. This means everyone should promise to stop enabling the addict. This should be made clear to your loved one. Their actions need to have documented consequences that may include things such as no financial support and not being welcome at gatherings when high or drunk.
Have a rehearsal intervention. This will make sure everyone is on the same page and knows how the event will go. Each person involved will know when they’re going to read their statement, and you can help those with overly long statements edit them down to a more manageable time.
Talk to everyone about (or ask your intervention specialist to discuss) realistic expectations. Again, this isn’t television. Your loved one may refuse help. They may continue to do so for weeks or even months. Everyone involved needs to be fully committed to the agreed-upon consequences if your loved one refuses help.
Even if your loved one doesn’t want help, don’t walk away from them. The intervention isn’t their last chance for help, and you need to make certain they know that. Offer them love and support. Let them know you’re always there to listen when they’re ready to open up about their struggles, and that you will help them get treatment if they want it. We can provide you with information you can give to your loved one or keep on hand until they’re in a more receptive place.
What You Should Avoid During an Intervention
During the intervention, there are some things you want to avoid. Remember, an intervention needs to be a safe space for everyone involved, and that includes your loved one. Open hostility, anger, and shaming will not help. They will only push your loved one away. Everything said and done needs to come from a place of honesty, love, and support. With that in mind, avoid the following:
Labeling your loved one as an addict, junkie, alcoholic, or other negative label that makes it sound like you’re blaming them. Remember, the substance is the enemy.
Don’t define your loved one by the addiction. They’re more than that.
Keep the number of people invited small. Too many and it can seem like you’re ganging up on your loved one. It also makes the intervention much longer than it should be.
Don’t let strong emotions take over. Yes, people are going to get upset, and tears may be shed. But talk to everyone about keeping a level head. One of our intervention specialists can be very helpful here.
Don’t hold the intervention if your loved one is under the influence. They won’t be in the right mindset to discuss anything, and your intervention won’t be effective. You’ll need to reschedule when they’re sober.
Reach Out to Good Landing
Your intervention has a better chance of success if everyone involved is educated about addiction and recovery. We can help you with that. If you’re ready to hold an intervention and would like more information or to speak with an intervention specialist, please reach out to us today.
By helping your loved one choose to work with our program, you’re helping them choose to live a life full of happiness, love, and faith. Our treatment program addresses the cause of each patient’s addiction, helps them learn appropriate coping mechanisms, and provides them with the tools they need to live a sober life.
