Thanks to popular culture, most people are familiar with the concept of an intervention.

They happen — without much success on The Office and The Sopranos, and A&E has built a whole TV series around the practice.

But how does an intervention work? More importantly, how they are designed to help?

What Does an Intervention Do?

An intervention can be an important first step in getting someone to seek treatment, with family and friends using this gathering to help show the person with an addiction they need help.

With an intervention, you’re creating a place for the person with the addiction to choose between entering treatment or continuing on a path that only leads to negative consequences, such as homelessness or loss of financial/emotional support.

At the same time, the intervention can serve as a wake-up call for family members as well, helping them learn how to put themselves first. This isn’t the reason to hold an intervention, of course, but it can help friends and family members learn to care for themselves so they can be a better friend/father, sister, etc.

Tips from an Addiction Interventionist in VA: How to Prepare

An intervention requires thorough preparation, which is why it’s very important to work with a professional interventionist. They can serve as an impartial third party in a room where people will be feeling anxious, nervous, angry or upset.

The interventionist can keep the program from becoming derailed, even through manipulation and negativity and give the participants the tools they need to educate themselves.

Making an Intervention Work

When planning an intervention, there are certain things you should do to make things proceed smoothly. Ask yourself:

1 – Who should be involved?

The people at the intervention should be — aside from the interventionist — people who the addicted person knows, loves and trusts: parents, spouses, siblings, close friends.

It’s not a place to air grievances, which is why you should avoid inviting people who have strained relationships with the person.

2 – When is the right time?

Never hold an intervention while a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They may have trouble concentrating, and these substances may cause them to lose their temper.

Many interventions happen first thing in the morning when the person is less likely to have used drugs or drank.

Others choose to hold interventions soon after a major drug/alcohol related incident to underscore why it’s so crucial the person seeks treatment.

3 – How am I acting?

Rehease what you want to say and how you’ll say it before the intervention begins. You don’t want your emotions to take control. By practicing, you can keep control of the intervention.

Pay attention to your body language. Don’t clench your fists or cross your arms. The things you say and the posture you adopt should show support and love.

4 – Am I calm?

Even if everyone in the room loves and supports the person with the addiction, there’s a good chance they still might feel some hurt or anger.

It’s important to keep your emotions in check during the intervention, which is why everyone should rehearse what they want to say. Saying hurtful things or attacking someone might derail the intervention.

Virginia Intervention Services

Addiction is a disease, and like all diseases, treatment requires professional support. Let us give you and your loved ones that support.

Recovery Care Partner’s intervention services are designed to get the addict or alcoholic to accept help, while their family begins to develop healthy behaviors. Contact us today to learn more about our Virginia intervention services and other counseling and treatment options.