Alcohol addiction is a disorder that leads to compulsive alcohol intake. Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be a difficult thing to do. Most times, to ensure the addict knows the consequences of their actions, an intervention may be necessary.
Before holding an intervention, one needs to be careful. This is because when badly planned, it can further trigger the individual and make matters worse. So you must know what to say during an intervention. Remember, the end goal is to get the individual to start proper treatment.
If you are struggling with a loved one who is addicted, this guide will help you understand the importance of intervention.
What is an Alcohol intervention?
An alcohol intervention is a structured conversation between family members, loved ones, and professionals to help an addicted individual seek recovery.
When planning an intervention, it is important to avoid negative actions, such as blaming or shaming the addict. Instead, keep your focus on providing care and support for your loved one
The goal of an Intervention
The end goal of an intervention is to help an addict seek and participate in treatment willingly. Oftentimes, individuals struggling with addictions find it difficult to accept they have a problem; an intervention is an effective way to let them know they have a problem and how it affects everyone around them. It is also a means of letting family members and loved ones express their feelings and concerns constructively. More importantly, interventions can bring hope and success to families and individuals addicted to alcohol.
The stages of an intervention
Assessment
The first stage of an intervention is to consult with a professional to assess the situation. Interventions can be a delicate and emotional matter for everyone involved, so it is best to seek help from an interventionist. They are trained in the psychology of human addiction, substance abuse, and family dynamics. This puts them in a better position to channel the hurts and concerns of family and friends into healthy and productive sessions.
At the end of an assessment, you should be able to figure out If an intervention is necessary, how soon it is needed, the kind of intervention technique to use, treatment options suitable for the person, and how to prepare family and friends for intervention.
Group Formation
After an assessment, the next step is to form a group. This may include family members, extended family, spouses, or close friends.
When forming your group, it is important to consider the type of relationship each person has with the addict. It would be best if you chose people who genuinely care and can connect emotionally to the addict. Avoid people that might shame or talk down on the addict.
Although you want to make an impact, you should take extra care not to leave the addict feeling overwhelmed. A maximum of 3-5 persons should do the work.
Create a Plan
In this stage, you need to make a detailed plan of the things to say. Your statement should clearly show your concerns, feelings, and hurts and why it is important for you for the individual to receive treatment. It would be best if you were willing to include boundaries in your statement. This means letting them know they can lose certain benefits if they are not ready to begin treatment. There should be a review with the interventionist to make sure everyone says the right words.
Creating a plan also includes choosing a suitable time and location for the intervention.
A private and quiet space is ideal for an intervention.
Intervention
This is where you put your plans into action. Members of the team should take turns talking to the individual to express their concerns and their willingness to support should the person accept to undergo treatment.
Follow up
Often, a follow-up is necessary to encourage the individual to avoid certain behaviors and attend recovery support groups and counseling sessions.
Signs to stage an intervention
It would be best if you staged an intervention when you notice any of the following signs;
Alcohol Abuse
When someone with an addiction can no longer control how often, when, or how much they drink alcohol, oftentimes yes, these are tell-tale signs that the alcohol use is beyond the person’s control and an intervention is needed.
Health Issues
Alcohol abuse leads to health issues like heart failure, liver disease, and cancer. A routine check can detect abnormalities and can be an indication of intervention.
Risk Behavior
If an individual is constantly getting into fights, family conflicts, accidents, or receiving multiple DUIs, you should consider an intervention.
Conversations are Not Working
Many families affected by alcohol addiction usually attempt to talk to their loved ones, telling them the dangers of addiction and how they wish to help them overcome it. These conversations tend to appeal to your loved ones to seek treatment. If you have held a number of these conversations, and they are not working, maybe it is time to plan an intervention.
An intervention may seem difficult to plan, but it doesn’t have to be. Hiring a professional for guidance, sticking to the plan, and staying positive contributes to its success.
