What to Do and What Not to Do in an Intervention

What Not to Do in an Intervention – How to Talk to an Addict

What Not to Do in an Intervention

TV shows can give a misrepresented view of an intervention. It’s common to see a very dramatic view of an intervention in a TV show that makes for good viewing but isn’t practical. The following looks at what not to do in an intervention:

Do Not Judge – It’s easy to slip into the approach of pointing out everything the addict does wrong, but this type of judgment only does one thing: it puts the addict on guard. While outsiders may see the addict’s actions as illogical, the addict usually feels like what they are doing makes complete sense. How to have an intervention is about withholding your judgment and only offering support.

Don’t Be Dissuaded – An addict’s defense against an intervention is often to change the subject and point out the flaws of the other people in the intervention. Don’t allow yourself to be dissuaded from your purpose.

Avoid An Intervention When They Are High – What not to do in an intervention is talking to an addict while they are on drugs or alcohol. Addiction intervention strategies including doing the meeting when you know they won’t be affected by substance abuse. This can be early in the morning when they wake up or before they’re about to head out and possibly abuse a substance.

How to Have an Intervention

Running a successful intervention can be achieved by following simple tips from people who have run many interventions, such as addiction intervention specialists. Of course, there is a great deal of planning involved with a proper intervention and if you need help, then an intervention specialist can assist. They can even assist in running the intervention, serving as an unbiased middle man, which can be especially useful for when tensions and emotions are high.

The following looks at some of the addiction intervention strategies that you can use:

There’s No Need to Force the Issue Right Away – An intervention doesn’t mean you have to get results the moment you do it. It can be difficult to convince the addict that they need help and it can require more than one intervention. However, dragging it out for weeks is not good either. Be ready to set ultimatums if they don’t comply. Furthermore, for treatment to be effective, it doesn’t have to be voluntary.

Keep Your Cool – Of course, it’s an emotion experience talking about everything that you’ve gone through with the addict, but you have to keep calm. Losing your temper will only hurt the process. You are there because you love them and you want to support their recovery, even if it hurts to do initially.

Stick With Your Message – The addict will try to change the subject and divert blame where they can. It’s important for you to focus on the message you have. The message you are trying to get across is that you and the other people of the meeting are there to support them in recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help right away. Make a phone call that will connect you to a professional drug treatment center. The call you make may save your life or the life of someone you love. Call us today at (800) 429-7690.