Originally written on: Tuesday, 12 January 2016 Last edited on: Thursday, 04 July 2019

Drugs and Alcohol Intervention

Although a small percentage of people is able to recover from drug addiction without intervention, the majority of individuals addicted to drugs need some sort of assistance. With intervention, many people are able to stop their drug use and get the help they need.

Drug and alcohol intervention is a process of overcoming the barriers, which overwhelm the addict and make them realize where they stand, and what can be done to come out of the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction. A properly conducted intervention is very effective to help the individual accept treatment. This can be considered as the first part of the alcohol and drug rehab process. The intervention process can be organized by any caring relative or family member of the addict. However, it may be helpful when addressing the matter with the person in need, to have a third party present who is trained and knowledgeable about drugs and alcohol intervention. Professionals and expert interventionists, who have experience in conducting an intervention, can make better judgments of the addict's needs to get the proper help. These professionals will also be more effective in dealing with the addict's problems and persuading him or her to take steps to get better.

Steps for a successful intervention

These are the seven steps for a family intervention.

• You have to stop rescuing your loved one.
• Do not enable the addict in any way.
• Choose the best time to do your intervention.
• Talk about a specific event and be thorough and direct.
• Sets rules and consequences from this point on. Find the right family members and relatives.
• Always listen to the addict.
• Follow through with Plan B if the intervention does not succeed the first time.

The major factors of a successful intervention are planning, set up, and the process of the intervention. Many families think they've tried everything, but when we examine it closer, their efforts have failed because they've not been working together and moving in the same direction. The alcoholic or drug addict often plays one person off against the other ones, which keeps the family off balance. For example, dad cuts off the kid’s money, but Mom enables the kid by giving money.

Does intervention actually work, or is it just a complete waste of time?

Intervention does actually work when done properly and effectively. The most effective interventions take place when all the family and friends are on the same page, and you have the help of a trained intervention specialist. The best option is to search out and contact an intervention group. These groups can operate privately, or it could be the pastor of a church or even a member of AA. Either way, having someone who has done interventions will help keep the family together and keep the intervention moving along to a successful result.

Will an Intervention Actually work with an Addict?

If an intervention is done properly, and a family works with a qualified interventionist, and everyone follows through with their part; a drug intervention can be successful. One of the biggest barriers that do stop family and friends from going through with an intervention is the fear of the backlash from the addict. An addict, when cornered can say some very nasty things and will try to twist people's words, make others feel guilty, and attempt to turn the whole process around. This does not make the addict a bad person, but this is simply the addiction, and how far it can push an addict to continue to use. The thought of never using drugs and or alcohol again is very scary, and a family must understand that the love is always there, but it is ok not to like what their loved one is doing with his or her life. If an intervention does go to a tough love approach, the only way, it can be successful, and an addict will commit to getting help, is if the family follows through with their ‘plan b’. The interventionist can simply do so much, and the family must work together to remain strong and supportive.

Drug Intervention Services within the United States

Drug and alcohol intervention services are provided all throughout the United States and are a very useful tool in helping a loved one enter a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. It occurs quite frequently where an addict is very unwilling to get help, and will refuse all offers, and can take some extreme measures to ensure they do not go to treatment. In these situations, it is recommended that a family seek out a qualified intervention specialist, who can assist in ensuring their loved ones receive proper rehabilitation. An intervention is typically trained in many different fields of counseling and addiction treatment, and has the job of working with the family, and convincing an addict to get help. The process can take a couple of days, or longer, but it can be a very worthwhile step, especially if all other avenues have been exhausted. Families may attempt this process on their own without professional help. This is not always a great idea, as the intervention can go bad very quickly without a third party mediator. Interventionists are qualified in handling an addict's unwillingness to get help, and through this training, they can convince an addict that drug rehabilitation is the best option.

How Does the Intervention Process Work?

The process starts with a family or friends contacting an intervention specialist group within their area or out of county or state. The interventionist will make arrangements to meet with everyone who will be involved and will have the final say of who will be present at the actual intervention. The reason for this is because an addict will not always respond well to every individual who may be close to them. The best people to have at intervention are those people whom the addict may respect and or does look up to in some way. Once all the attendees have been organized, a family orientation day takes place, and this is where the interventionist will go through the process and what everyone will be saying. One other step, which does take place, is the interventionist will educate the family on a ‘plan b’ if the initial steps are not working with their loved one. This is the tough love approach, and the family will be prepared to inform their loved one of what will happen if they do not attend drug rehab. This can be cutting off all support, financially and forcing the addict to move out, etc. The family orientation day is the dry run, and prepares everyone involved, so as the intervention can be a success.