Planning and staging an intervention is a delicate process. If a drug abuse intervention is not done properly, it can be a complete failure and even make the situation worse.
The following list of 7 principles of successful drug interventions, however, can be used to help you plan and stage a successful intervention.
1. Meet with an intervention specialist. These professionals can help you plan and execute your intervention. A good intervention specialist can also help set up treatment for your loved one as well.
2. Choose the right people to participate in the intervention. This should include a small group of individuals who love and respect the addict. Never include anyone who joins your loved one in abusing drugs or condones drug use.
3. Choose a private setting for the intervention. This can be at a friend’s or family member’s home, or even at the addict’s home. Whichever location you choose, make sure that it’s convenient and offers a good deal of privacy.
4. Catch the addict off-guard. An addict should never be aware that an intervention will be taking place. By surprising an addict, you’re giving him or her little chance to make excuses or justify their drug use.
5. Stay calm and speak with respect. Don’t speak with anger or judgment, since this can make the situation worse. Also, make sure that you make it clear that you care for the addict, but don’t care for their drug use.
6. Make going into treatment easy. Have as much treatment information as possible available, and reserve a spot in a treatment facility if possible. If your loved one also has children, you should make arrangements for them to stay with family members or close friends for the duration of treatment.
7. Don’t give up. If an addict initially refuses treatment, don’t give up. They may approach you later once they’ve had time to think about it more. The bottom line is you can’t force someone into treatment, but you can be there for them when they’re ready to get clean.