When someone you love is struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder, you’ll do almost anything to help them. Families who feel they’ve tried everything and still fear for their loved one’s safety often consider staging an intervention. Intervention is a way to encourage people to accept a plan of treatment that has been pre-organized on their behalf. 

The types of therapy in addiction recovery focus on teaching people new skills and addressing any past traumas that contribute to self-destructive behaviors. An evidence-based, insurance-approved rehab will also provide treatment for any co-occurring mental health concerns the person is dealing with. 

Interventions can be the deciding factor in whether someone gets the life-saving treatment they need or not. However, interventions that follow certain guidelines have a better chance of being successful. What to say — and what not to say — is important information to consider. 

Do Interventions Work?

People with substance use disorders are more likely to enter therapy for addiction recovery after an intervention. In most cases, an intervention marks the point where the individual’s family and friends come together and agree to stop any behaviors that can enable the person’s addiction. 

Interventions are also opportunities to show love and support for the addicted person. The combination of the two messages, “We love you” and “We will no longer help you hurt yourself,” are powerful motivators for change. Some general guidelines for speaking during an intervention include:

• Remain calm
• Listen to your loved one, and don’t interrupt 
• Let one team member speak at a time
• Be specific when sharing examples of things that worry you
• Be honest, even if it’s difficult
• Don’t make statements you won’t follow through with
• Don’t use guilt or shame to convince someone to accept help
• Avoid inflammatory statements like “you always” or “you never”

While interventions can encourage someone to seek treatment in a rehab facility, they don’t necessarily influence the outcome of that treatment. Each individual must commit themselves to change and continue applying the tools they learned in treatment to maintain their recovery. 

3 Tips for Effective Communication During an Intervention

“An intervention is not a time to lay blame or bring up past offenses.”

When it’s time to take action by planning an intervention, consider hiring a professional interventionist. An interventionist is a trained mental health professional with expertise in the field of addiction disorders. 

Many rehabs that take insurance provide intervention services. An interventionist can provide valuable leadership and help guide the entire process. 

1. Communicate Love 

An intervention is not a time to lay blame or bring up past offenses. It is a time to tell someone that you love them and believe in their ability to recover. Using “I” statements is one way to avoid falling into the blame game. Examples include “I love you deeply, and I’m afraid this illness is going to kill you” and “I am here to help you and only want the best for you.”

People who are struggling with mental health concerns like addiction often believe they no longer deserve love. Hearing that they are still a valued and important member of the family may give someone a reason to accept treatment. 

2. Communicate Boundaries

Sometimes, in order for things to change, the people closest to a person with a substance use disorder must also change. Communicating healthy boundaries is a start. 

Family members who’ve been providing their loved ones with money or allowing them to use substances in their home may think they’re helping, but they’re really enabling unhealthy habits. 

Members of the intervention team must communicate the new relationship boundaries, such as:

• If you don’t accept help, I will no longer pay your rent
• If you don’t enter treatment today, I will no longer allow you to stay in my home
• If you don’t agree to therapy for addiction recovery, I will not make excuses to your boss (or school) for your absences

Understanding that their life is about to become much more difficult can be a catalyst for those with substance use disorders to seek treatment. 

3. Communicate Support

Addiction and other mental health concerns can have a genetic component. Though one person may be the focus of the family’s attention, it’s not unusual for other family members to also be struggling with substance use disorder, co-dependence, or other mental health struggles. 

Let your loved one know you will also work to improve your mental health. Commit to attending family therapy, joining an online support group, or seeking whatever support you need to become a healthier person who has the knowledge to fully support your loved one in recovery. 

Is It Time for an Intervention? 

It’s not necessary to wait until a person has reached “rock bottom” to have an intervention. If someone you love is continuing to use drugs and alcohol despite the negative consequences it causes, they need help. 

However, if you feel you’ve done everything and your loved one still shows no interest in changing, a professional intervention can make a difference. 

Many types of therapy in addiction recovery can be helpful, and it may be difficult to decide which Indiana rehab to choose. Working with addiction recovery consultants at Never Alone Recovery can help. Consultants provide up-to-date information on insurance verification, treatment planning, travel arrangements, and more. 

An intervention could save your loved one’s life. Working with a professional will increase the chances of success. For more information about intervention and other services, call Never Alone Recovery at 866-788-8335.