Watching someone you love and care about battle addiction is a difficult experience to go through. It can be incredibly heartbreaking and feel overwhelming. While you appreciate that what they are going through is far worse, you can feel helpless, frustrated and unsure of what you can do about it.
Holding an intervention and encouraging your loved one to seek the help of a drug and alcohol rehab is often a must. But an intervention should be proceeded with care, sensitivity and be well planned.
Of course, for many people, it could be the first time you’ve ever even considered an intervention, never mind holding one. So, where to get started?
1. Educate Yourself About Addiction
Before planning an intervention, it’s vital to understand what your loved one is going through. Addiction is a complex condition, not a failure of willpower or morality. It changes how the brain works, making it harder for the person to make rational decisions or recognise the impact of their behaviour.
Read up on the type of addiction they’re facing, whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling or something else. Learn about common symptoms, denial patterns, and available treatment options. The more informed you are, the more compassionately and effectively you’ll be able to communicate when the time comes.
2. Choose the Right People to Be Involved
An intervention should involve a small, carefully chosen group of people who the individual trusts, respects and values. This might include close family members, a long-time friend, or even a spiritual adviser or employer, depending on the situation.
Avoid including anyone who has a hostile or strained relationship with the person, their presence could lead to defensiveness or shut the conversation down. The aim is to create a calm, supportive environment, not one where your loved one feels cornered or attacked.
3. Consult a Professional (If You Can)
Addiction specialists, intervention counsellors, or therapists can play a vital role in guiding the process. They can help you understand your loved one’s behaviour, identify the right approach, and mediate the conversation if needed.
In some cases, a professional might even lead the intervention itself, especially if the situation is complex or emotions are running high. If you don’t have access to a specialist, consider reaching out to local addiction services or charities for advice and support.
4. Plan and Practice What You’ll Say
An intervention is not a casual conversation, it needs to be planned with care. Each participant should prepare a short statement expressing their love and concern, giving specific examples of how the person’s addiction has affected them, and encouraging them to seek help.
The tone should be non-judgemental, calm and heartfelt. Avoid blame or ultimatums unless these are part of a clear, pre-agreed boundary. Practice your statements together beforehand so that the conversation flows smoothly and stays focused.
5. Choose the Right Time and Place
Timing is crucial. Try to plan the intervention for a moment when your loved one is likely to be sober and relatively clear-headed. Avoid times of high stress, conflict or crisis. Choose a neutral, private and quiet setting where everyone feels safe and undistracted.
Make sure you have a plan in place for what happens next, ideally, a treatment option ready to go if they say yes. The goal is to remove barriers and offer immediate support, rather than just expressing concern and leaving the next steps vague.
Once you’ve got all the above in place, you can approach the intervention. Do so carefully and understand that you need to be patient and you need to give your loved one the time to process the information. It may not work immediately, but an intervention can be a successful first step for your loved one in getting the help they need.