Minnesota Drug Intervention Services

Generally, the intervention consists of speaking with the person abusing substances and obtaining their willingness to attempt treatment. Interventionists may use various techniques to achieve communication since most people who require intervention aren’t willing to participate in a discussion about treatment. Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean forcing the issue by giving ultimatums or removing enabling behaviors that have allowed the person to continue abusing substances.

Generally speaking, no, there aren’t any substance use treatment programs where patients are held against their will. While certain states provide a legal avenue for mandating someone into treatment, even when a person is court-ordered to complete treatment, they can choose not to attend and instead serve jail time or face other penalties.

Yes, even if the person agrees to treatment grudgingly or feels they’re being forced, they are still taking a step in the right direction. Many recovered persons began their journey feeling this way, but their viewpoint can change as their minds clear. They may realize they want recovery for themselves and gain sobriety thanks to intervention.

Intervention should be considered as a last resort. Using coercion or ultimatums to gain willingness is not ideal, but it’s better than death. Ideally, every person abusing substances would willingly go to treatment and get their life back. But addiction is powerful, and it isn’t uncommon for the person to want to keep using even if they want a better life deep down. If you’ve tried getting through to them and they keep using and refusing to get help, it’s probably time to contact a professional interventionist.

The questions from Addicted.org’s “Ask a Professional” are answered by Michael Leach, CCMA. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at [email protected].