How to Stage an Intervention

If you’re worried about how to stage an intervention, there are plenty of resources available to help. You can find professional interventionists who can guide you through the process, or look for books or articles that offer advice on how to proceed.

The most important thing is to be prepared and to have a clear plan in mind. By following these tips, you can make sure that your intervention is successful and that you get the help you need.

Do:

1. Educate yourself about addiction and interventions
2. Choose a group of people who will be supportive and understanding
3. Plan what you’re going to say ahead of time
4. Choose a place and time to have the intervention that is comfortable for everyone involved
5. Stick to your plan during the intervention
6. Listen to what the person struggling with addiction has to say
7. Be prepared to offer help and resources
8. Follow up after the intervention

Don’t:

1. Wait until things are at their worst to have an intervention
2. Go into an intervention without knowing what you want to say
3. Try to force the person into treatment
4. Get into an argument with the person during the intervention
5. Give up if the person doesn’t immediately agree to seek help

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a structured conversation between a group of people (usually family and friends) and someone who is struggling with addiction. The goal of an intervention is to help the person struggling see how their addiction is impacting themselves and those around them, and to encourage them to seek treatment.

Interventions can be incredibly helpful in getting someone into treatment, but they can also be very tricky to navigate. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind if you’re considering staging an intervention for a loved one.

Which Demographic is Affected Most by Addictive Behavior?

The demographics most affected by addictive behavior are typically people who are struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. People who have a family history of addiction are also more likely to struggle with addiction themselves.

Where to Stage an Intervention

To stage an intervention, a neutral location is the best setting. This could be a family member’s home, a rented space, or even a public place like a park. The goal is to have a comfortable setting where everyone can sit and talk without distractions.

How to Stage an Intervention for Young Adult/Adolescents

Staging an addiction intervention for a young adult or adolescent can be difficult. It’s important to remember that they are still developing and may not be able to see the consequences of their actions. It’s also important to involve other people in their life who they trust and respect. This could be a coach, teacher, counselor, mentor, or family friend. The key is to have a solid plan in place before you confront the person about their addiction. This way, everyone knows what their role is and what needs to happen.

How to Stage an Intervention for a Partner

If you’re in a committed relationship with someone who’s struggling with addiction, you might feel like you’re walking on eggshells. You’re worried about how to approach the situation and whether or not an intervention is a right step.

The first thing you need to do is reach out to a professional for help. This could be a therapist, counselor, or doctor. They can help you assess the situation and come up with a plan.

Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to talk to your partner about their addiction. This conversation needs to be honest and direct.

Be sure to avoid any accusations or blame. Instead, focus on how their addiction is impacting you and your relationship. Let them know that you’re there for them and only want what’s best for them.

Phrases to Use During an Addiction Intervention

The following phrases and expressions should be used during the intervention:

• “I’m here for you.”
• “I want to help you.”
• “I’m worried about you.”
• “Your addiction is affecting your health/job/relationships.”
• “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
• “Treatment can help you get your life back on track.”

What NOT to Say During an Intervention

There are also certain things that should not be said during an intervention, such as:

• “I told you so.”
• “If you don’t get help, I won’t be there for you.”
• “You’re a lost cause.”
• “Why can’t you just stop?”

Remember, the goal is to get your loved ones to seek help, not to push them away.

Bottom line: An intervention is an important step in getting your loved one into treatment. By using the right words and phrases, you can help encourage them to seek help and start on the road to recovery.

Those closest to the person with addiction usually play the biggest role in staging an intervention. This can include family members, close friends, coworkers, or anyone else who is concerned about the person’s well-being and feels they can help.

How to Break the Stigma of Addiction Intervention

Intervention doesn’t have to be a solely negative experience. In fact, it can be quite positive, provided that everyone involved has the right attitude and understanding going into it. The key is to remember that the goal of intervention is to get your loved ones the help they need, not to shame or judge them.

With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to break the stigma of addiction intervention:

• Educate yourself and others on what addiction is and how it affects the brain. This will help you to understand why your loved one may be struggling and how best to approach them about getting help.
• Frame intervention as an act of love and concern, rather than judgment.

Hiring an Addiction Interventionist

A professional interventionist has the responsibility to conduct the intervention while maintaining control of the situation. The interventionist is not there to be your friend or to take sides. They are trained professionals who can help to facilitate communication between you and your loved one in order to get them the help they need.

If you are considering hiring an addiction interventionist, be sure to:

• Research different interventionists in your area and find one that you feel comfortable with.
• Make sure that the interventionist you choose is certified and has experience working with addiction and mental health issues.
• Be prepared to pay for their services, as this is not typically covered by insurance.

What Happens After You Stage an Addiction Intervention

The goal of an intervention is to get your loved one into treatment. If they agree to go to treatment, you will likely be involved in their care, attending family therapy sessions and providing support as they navigate their recovery.

If they refuse to go to treatment, you may need to consider other options, such as asking them to leave your home or cutting off communication with them.

It is important to remember that you cannot force someone into treatment, but you can provide support and resources if they are willing to seek help. Staging an intervention can be a difficult but rewarding process. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this and there are professionals who can help you every step of the way.

Learn About Your Addiction Recovery Options at Westwind

An intervention is a last-ditch effort to get someone you care about into treatment for addiction before things get too out of control. If you wait until things are at their worst, it may be too late.

This is where many people struggle. It’s important to go into an intervention with a clear plan and know what you want to say ahead of time. You may want to discuss how the addiction has affected you personally or share specific examples of how it has impacted you. At Westwind Recovery®, we understand that your addiction recovery journey begins with those closest to you offering support. Substance abuse can cause you to withdraw from the people in your life who only want what’s best. Consider a treatment program in Los Angeles to usher you into a new healthy lifestyle. If you’re struggling with addiction, contact our facility today.

Medical Reviewer | Dr. Deena Manion, PsyD, LCSW

Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.