Relationships in Recovery - Romantic Relationships

Intervention: When Is It Time to Stage An Intervention For Your Loved One?

The decision to stage an intervention isn't easy, but may be the decision that helps save a loved one's life: and restores your sanity. Learn more now

When To Stage an Intervention

Table of Contents

Written by

Brian MooreBrian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy ArztJeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

August 18, 2021

The Edge Treatment Center

Maybe you’ve found the hidden stash of empty bottles. Maybe you’ve witnessed erratic behavior that’s very unlike your partner. Or, maybe you’ve known there’s a problem all along- but that problem has now reached a threshold that you can no longer tolerate.

Regardless of the circumstance, It can feel scary and frustrating to confront a loved one’s addiction. This is especially true if you’ve already attempted to talk to him or her about your concerns in the past.

The decision to stage an intervention isn’t an easy one, but it may be the decision that helps save someone’s life- and restores your sanity.

What Is An Intervention?

Interventions are planned processes where family and friends confront someone about their addiction. Everyone meets at a predetermined time and location- without the individual’s awareness. Sometimes, the group includes a professional interventionist to guide them during this time.

Typically, friends and family emphasize their support and love for their struggling loved one. That said, they also express their feelings and concerns about the addiction. They identify how the addiction has impacted their relationship, and they may set boundaries about what they are and are not willing to tolerate in the future.

Who Needs An Intervention?

Some people identify their own substance problems and seek recovery of their own accord. Others struggle with deeper cycles of denial, rationalization, and deceit. For example, they may not believe they honestly have a problem. Or, they may identify the problem, but they don’t necessarily want to take action.

Selecting when to stage an intervention isn’t always a straightforward decision. Addiction can be insidious and sometimes difficult to discern. However, the following symptoms may indicate problematic substance use:

  • Erratic mood swings or increased irritability

  • Changes in behavior (being secretive, changing relationships)

  • Increased conflict with family, friends, or coworkers

  • Neglecting to meet basic responsibilities like going to work or cleaning the house

  • Money problems (debt, stealing, working more than usual)

  • A decline in hygiene and grooming

  • Endangering others due to substance use (i.e., drinking and driving)

Overlooking subtle symptoms is normal. Often, people want to give their loved ones the benefit of the doubt. A professional interventionist can help discern the severity of the addiction.

Furthermore, professional interventionists can be helpful for people with:

  • Co-occurring mental illnesses

  • A history of suicidal thoughts or attempts

  • A history of violence

  • The tendency to deny, minimize, or react with anger to their loved ones

What Are the Benefits of an Intervention?

Interventions offer a number of benefits to individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues. First, it gives them the opportunity to receive help from friends and family who understand their situation and can provide support throughout recovery. Second, it allows for an open and honest dialogue between everyone involved, helping to break down any barriers that may be preventing the individual from seeking help.

Additionally, interventions provide a safe space for everyone involved to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. This can create an environment of understanding and empathy that encourages individuals to seek help. Finally, interventions can help connect people with the necessary resources and support services that can aid in their recovery.

Interventions can be a powerful tool in helping individuals receive the necessary help they need for addiction or mental health issues. With proper planning and guidance, interventions can lead to lasting change and provide individuals with the support needed to recover and thrive.

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Would you like more information about staging an intervention? Reach out today.

Who Should Be Involved in an Intervention?

The participants of an intervention vary depending on the situation but typically include close family and friends who can provide insight into the individual’s life. This includes people who are supportive and willing to step up in order to help the individual get the necessary help they need. It is also important to ensure that those involved in the intervention have a good understanding of addiction or mental health issues, as this can help create a safe space for everyone to express their thoughts and feelings.

Ultimately, the goal should be to have a diverse group of individuals who are supportive of the individual in need and are willing to take steps toward helping them receive the care they need.

However, there are some people you should probably avoid having at the intervention:

  • People struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues

  • Someone who might grandstand or deviate from the script during the intervention

  • Someone whom you suspect might try to derail or damage the intervention

  • People your loved one dislikes

What Is the Difference Between an Intervention and Treatment?

Intervention and treatment are two different approaches to addressing addiction or mental health issues. An intervention is a meeting designed to encourage someone struggling with these issues to seek help, while treatment refers to the actual process of addressing and managing the underlying issues.

Intervention is typically considered a first step towards treatment, as it can be beneficial in helping individuals realize that they need help and are ready to take action. Treatment then follows, involving long-term care options such as therapy, medication management, or other forms of support services.

No matter what approach an individual takes when seeking help for addiction or mental health issues, it is important to remember the importance of continuing to provide support and resources. It can be a long road toward recovery, but with the right support system in place, lasting change is possible.

When Is It Best to Stage an Intervention?

Before formally having the intervention, many loved ones attempt to discuss their fears with the individual. They may plead with him or her to just stop. They may make promises or bargains believing that expressing their own worry will evoke tremendous guilt and fear- which will then cause change.

Ideally, it’s best to stage an intervention as soon as problematic behavior emerges. Loved ones should educate themselves on the disease model of addiction. They should also educate themselves on the treatment options available.

It’s essential that loved ones plan ahead and decide on how to proceed after the intervention. What if it doesn’t go well? Will there be an ultimatum? A Plan B? These boundaries are only effective when enforced- if someone cannot uphold them, they become nearly useless.

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We’re Here to Help You Find Your Way

Do you have more questions about staging an intervention? Reach out.

What Are the Steps to an Intervention?

Interventions are designed to encourage individuals who are struggling with addiction or a mental health issue to seek help. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to an intervention, as each individual and situation will have its own unique set of needs. However, there are some steps that can be taken in order to facilitate a successful intervention.

First Step: Seek Help

The first step to facilitating an intervention is to seek the help of a professional. An intervention specialist can be consulted in order to plan a successful meeting and provide guidance on how best to approach the situation. This individual should have experience working with addiction or mental health issues, depending on the issue at hand.

Second Step: Gather Information

The next step is to gather information about the individual in need of help. This includes gathering details such as their medical history, current mental and physical condition, past attempts at seeking help, and any other relevant information. Gathering this data ahead of time can be beneficial in helping to understand the person’s needs and develop an effective intervention plan.

Third Step: Invite the Individual

Once a plan has been established, it is important to invite the individual struggling with addiction or mental health issues to the intervention. Make sure to communicate what will be discussed during the meeting and how their presence can help in receiving the necessary support. It is also important to ensure that all those participating in the intervention are prepared for potential challenges and reactions from the individual in need of help.

Fourth Step: Hold the Intervention

Once everyone is present at the intervention, it is important to remain positive and supportive throughout the meeting. This includes setting boundaries and expectations for behavior, ensuring that all participants have a chance to speak their minds without interruption, and expressing empathy rather than judgment towards the individual in need of help. It is also important to have a plan for follow-up after the meeting is over, including offering individual resources and support services that can be utilized.

Fifth Step: Monitor Progress

The final step is to monitor the progress of those who attended the intervention. This includes staying in contact with any professionals or support groups involved, ensuring that the individual in need of help is getting the right care and support, and providing ongoing guidance and encouragement. It is also important to ensure that any progress made is maintained over time by continuing to provide resources and support as needed.

Interventions can be a powerful tool in helping individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues receive the necessary help they need.

What Are the Best Strategies For A Successful Intervention?

There’s no absolute way to determine whether this process will yield desirable results. However, there are a few factors to consider before staging an intervention.

Preparation

Use I-statements in describing concerns and feelings. Avoid any accusations or claims that could come across as judgmental, blaming, or shaming. Write down a draft and practice reading the message aloud before the intervention.

Intervene when Sober

Do not approach the individual when he or she is high or experiencing acute withdrawal. This process requires that everyone has a clear mind and cognitive awareness. Being under the influence impacts one’s mental state drastically.

Hold The Intervention In A Comfortable Location

Do not approach loved ones in public. It’s best to intervene in the privacy of one’s home.

Should I Contact an Addiction Professional For Help With My Intervention?

Yes, absolutely! Working with a professional who has experience in dealing with addiction or mental health issues can be invaluable when planning an intervention. They will have the ability to offer guidance on how best to approach the situation and provide advice on resources and support services that may be beneficial.

Additionally, they can help create a safe environment for everyone involved that ensures all voices are heard and respected. This can be an invaluable asset in helping to ensure a successful intervention that leads to lasting change.

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We’re Here to Help You Find Your Way

Do you need advice about staging an intervention? Reach out today.

What Happens After The Intervention?

In the best-case scenario, the individual decides to seek help. Oftentimes, interventionists work with families to discuss and select appropriate treatment referrals. If the individual complies with attending treatment, the interventionist may directly transport him or her to the facility.

However, it’s possible that a loved one continues to deny the problem. Some individuals react with severe anger. Others may shut down and walk away. That’s why it’s essential that loved ones plan ahead for various outcomes.

Needing to stage an intervention may feel punitive and unfair. However, it may be the first step in propelling your loved one’s recovery.

What Resources Are Available After an Intervention?

After an intervention has taken place, there are a variety of resources and support services that can be utilized. This includes addiction or mental health treatment centers, counseling services, support groups, and other forms of professional help.

Additionally, family members and friends of the individual often play an important role in providing ongoing care and support. This includes understanding the importance of self-care for those struggling with addiction or mental health issues, setting boundaries for behavior, and being available to talk or offer assistance when needed.

By utilizing these resources and having a strong support system in place, individuals can get the help they need in order to begin their journey toward recovery.

No matter what approach is taken, it is important to remember that recovery from addiction or mental health issues is a difficult process. It requires hard work and dedication, but with the right resources in place, lasting change can be achieved.

In conclusion, an intervention can be a powerful tool in helping individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues receive the necessary help they need.

How Do You Find Help After an Intervention?

After an intervention has taken place, there are many resources and support services available to help individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues. This includes professional counseling, peer-support groups, 12-step programs, medication management, inpatient treatment centers, outpatient therapy services, and more.

It is important to ensure that the individual receives the right care for their situation and is connected with the right resources that can help them in their recovery. Additionally, having a supportive network of family and friends can provide immense benefit to those struggling with addiction or mental health issues.

Overall, interventions can be an effective tool in helping individuals get the help they need for addiction or mental health issues. It is important to plan ahead and seek professional guidance if necessary in order to ensure a successful intervention and positive outcome.

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We’re Here to Help You Find Your Way

Would you like more information about staging an intervention? Reach out today.

Need Help With an Intervention? Want to Help Out A Friend or Loved One in Need? Reach Out to The Edge Treatment Center

!The Edge Treatment Center offers a range of professional services and resources to help those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. We can help direct you to the best resources for a successful intervention, offer advice on how to approach a loved one struggling with addiction, and more.

We understand that intervention and recovery is a difficult process and offer our expertise to help make it easier. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction or mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out and get the help you need.

The Edge Treatment Center can provide the professional guidance and resources necessary for a successful intervention and recovery process. Reach out today and let us help guide you on your journey towards lasting change.

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