Planning an Intervention
Planning a successful intervention for a loved one takes time and should be done with careful consideration for various outcomes. Sometimes, the guidance of a professional, such as a registered alcohol and drug counselor, or the supervision of an interventionist can be immensely helpful.
An intervention plan is exactly what it sounds like. A plan to intervene in someone’s life because they are suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction and have been unable to help themselves. A successful intervention plan usually consists of many different parts and is very detailed.
What Makes a Good Intervention Plan?
A good intervention plan is well thought out and has many collaborators involved. This way, it’s not just one person’s perspective about the addict’s life. Successful strategies for an intervention follow certain guidelines and have specific examples of how the addict has been suffering and could benefit from treatment.
How to Write an Intervention Plan
There are 7 steps in planning a successful intervention. These steps can be done within a friend group, or family circle, but can also benefit from a professional’s input.
Decide on the Intervention Team
The original concerned loved one forms a team that will personally take part in the intervention. Include only people who have positive relationships with the person with the addiction, not people who are judgmental or emotionally abusive.
To assist you in staging an intervention, it is sometimes recommended to speak with an addiction specialist, mental health professional, or interventionist because a highly heated setting, like an intervention, can elicit emotions like rage, bitterness, or betrayal.
Non-family team members frequently aid in maintaining the discussion’s attention on the facts of the issue and common solutions rather than strong emotional reactions. Also, it’s important that before the intervention day, nobody tells the loved addict about their plans to intervene.
Research and Assess
Vigorous research should be done on the specific addiction(s) the loved addict is suffering from. From that research, you will learn the short and long-term effects of their using, and how to best help them make the decision to get help.
The group members should investigate available treatment options for the specific addiction. Then, the group could make plans to sign up your loved one for a particular rehab program. Agape Detox Center has professionals standing by to help with answering any questions that may arise during this phase.
Make Notes or a Loose Script
Every team member cites specific instances where the addiction resulted in concerns. While still showing kindness and the hope that your loved one can change, talk about the costs of their conduct. The truth and your emotional reaction to the issue need to be indisputable to your loved one. One could start by saying, “I felt angry and saddened when you drank…”
Writing down bullet points, or even full speeches and then practicing them out loud with the group, could make the difference between successful and unsuccessful intervention plans.
Identify Consequences
Each intervention team member must decide what action to take if a loved one refuses to go to treatment. Some examples of consequences are:
Ending enabling– enabling could mean providing money, shelter, transportation, food, etc.
Refusing to ignore-ignoring their addiction could look like allowing them to participate in family activities even though you are uncomfortable with their level of intoxication.
Stop blame shifting– blaming others for your loved one’s shortcomings related to addiction just allows them to continue their patterns of negative behavior.
Find a Neutral Location
Finding a neutral location, where the loved addict has no negative ties, is important to the success of the intervention. A neutral location could be a park, or beach. It could also be held at a loved one’s home, if the addict is comfortable there, but not living there.
Hold the Intervention
Your addicted loved one is invited to the intervention location without being told why. The team members then take turns sharing their worries and emotions. During the intervention, it is important to keep calm and use a loving tone of voice when discussing worries with the loved addict.
Offer Support and Treatment Options
Finally, your loved one is given a treatment choice and requested to accept it immediately. Agape Detox Center can help provide this treatment plan before your intervention, so you are ready to present it to your loved one. We offer many different treatment programs for every walk of life.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call today. Our admissions coordinators will answer any questions you may have about our program and walk you through the admissions process.
Things to Avoid at an Intervention
Knowing what to avoid during an intervention could be the difference between a success and a failure. Here are some tips that may help avoid an unsuccessful intervention:
- Never hold an intervention without prior notice.
- Don't be angry with your loved ones; treat them with love, respect, support, and care.
- Changing course during an intervention may swiftly backfire, hinder a positive outcome for your loved one, and exacerbate conflicts within the family.
- Don't allow him or her time to consider their treatment options for too long.
Put This Into Practice
Putting these steps into practice can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t need to be. Having the right team around you to help is paramount. Call Agape Detox today to helpguide you through the next steps of implementing an intervention plan.
- November 25, 2022
- Updated Date: December 13, 2023
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Have any questions?
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
