Drug And Alcohol Interventions: Do They Really Work?
You’ve tried to deny it, but you can’t anymore. If your loved one is addicted, you must do something. If you don’t, things may get out of control. The person isn’t ready to admit their problem, so taking them to rehab may not be an option. It’s time to intervene.
Choose The Right Time
It’s best to talk to your loved ones while they are sober or nearly sober. An addiction issue shouldn’t be discussed with tall people because they can’t think, react calmly, or recall what was discussed. Meeting in the morning is the best time when the person is sober. Interventions after a bad drug-related incident are also beneficial. For instance, a person who has been charged with a DUI may be ready to discuss addiction and accept help.
Pick The Correct Team
Take your time when selecting your intervention team. Keep the team small, preferably no more than ten people. It’s best to invite only close family and friends to the meeting, particularly those with a good relationship with the victim.
Hire An Expert
If you can afford it, get a trained interventionist. The expert can help the family members and friends say what they need to say without triggering emotions. A specialist can connect you to Impact Recovery Center as the person begins to heal. However, if you can’t afford an interventionist, you can engage an addiction counselor.
Observe Privacy
It’s tempting to stage an intervention meeting in the family’s house. Despite your intentions of making your loved ones comfortable, your home isn’t the best choice. This is because the person can go back to the bedroom even before the meeting. Hold the meeting in a neutral place such as an interventionist’s or psychiatrist’s office, churches, and community halls. In such a place, it’s hard for the person to walk away or act in a bad way.
Ensure Everyone Is Ready
Mostly, interventions occur when a person disagrees with therapy. This means the sequence of speakers matters a lot. So, allow the right person to talk at the right time to get good results. For example, if the person is married, the spouse should speak last when the addict is more convinced and eager to improve.
Don’t Deviate From The Main Message
Ensure participants write their intervention scripts and plan which words to use. Edit the script and polish everything. In most cases, people feel inclined to improvise the script. However, that should be avoided because any element of surprise will make everyone uncomfortable and maybe forget what they were saying.
Use Friendly Body Language
What you’re telling your loved ones is as important as how you say it. Use open and friendly body language when delivering your speech. Keep your legs and arms crossed, face the person, and tilt your shoulders towards them. To show focus, lean in closer and use lovely and compassionate words. The body language should match the speech.
Keep Emotions Under Control
Remember that the person you’re holding an intervention for is an important part of you. Instead of blaming or chastising them for their mistakes, help them to seek treatment. Keep calm and avoid losing your temper.
Be Ready For Any Outcome
Some interventions go awry, and you must be ready for that. What if the person leaves the room angry, shouting, and hurling insults at you? Having a backup plan will prepare you for such an ugly scenario. It’s hard to predict someone’s reaction, so discuss the next steps with your intervention team.
Seeking treatment may seem hopeless if you’ve lived with an addict who doesn’t recognize their problem. However, that can change if you hold an intervention. What your team says or does will make a difference. Choose the right time, and be friendly to the person.
