We know that many of you reading this have friends or family members who are struggling with substance abuse. Intervention can be an effective method for reducing the risk of relapse and increasing the likelihood of continued recovery from addiction.
However, it requires preparation, sensitivity, and trust to effectively intervene for someone you love who is struggling with substance abuse. Here’s how:
Create A Support Network
To successfully intervene for someone you love, you need to create a support network of friends, family members, healthcare providers, and other loved ones.
Having a support network allows you to lean on others for assistance, advice, and comfort when you need it. Most importantly, having a support network will allow you to seek help for yourself. We can’t be effective intervenors if we are drowning ourselves.
Develop A Plan
When you know that you want to intervene for someone you love, it’s important to develop a plan. It’s helpful to approach intervention as an organized event. When you have a plan, you can anticipate roadblocks and challenges that may arise. Having a plan also allows you to break the process of intervention into smaller pieces, making it feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Set Boundaries And Rules
When intervening for someone you love, it’s important to set clear boundaries and rules. You want to make it clear to the person that you are there to help, but that you can’t do this alone. Your loved one needs to know what is expected of them and what the consequences are if they don’t follow through with expectations. You also want to let your loved one know what kind of support you can offer.
Have A Conversation About Intervention
It’s important to be respectful and non-judgmental when you have this initial conversation. Here are some tips for having this initial conversation:
Select a Time and Place that isn’t Challenging: You may want to approach your loved one when they aren’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This will make it easier to have the conversation, and your loved one will be more likely to be receptive to intervention.
Be Honest and Open: Let your loved one know that you are there to help, but that you are also aware of your limitations. Let them know that you don’t want to impose solutions on them but that you do want to help them find solutions.
Focus on the Future: While it’s important to recognize the past, it’s also important to focus on the future. Let your loved one know that you aren’t just there for the immediate future. Rather, you want to help them create a positive future for themselves.
Conclusion
The decision to intervene for someone you love is a big one. It requires dedication, perseverance, and patience. You also need to be ready to accept the fact that intervening may not always be successful. However, if you are ready to commit to intervening for someone you love, follow these tips to prepare yourself for a successful intervention.