An intervention isn’t anything new to the world of alcohol abuse and addiction, but that doesn’t mean everyone knows the details associated with it. The process of an intervention requires planning and proper execution in order to be successful, along with realistic goals the focus of the intervention can meet. Baystate Recovery Services provides professional intervention services and we’ve put together some of the key factors that go into an alcohol intervention.

Defining Intervention Relating to Alcohol

When someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or substance abuse disorder, known as SUD, it can be difficult to know the best way to approach them. An intervention allows a group of those who care about the individual to work together for a non-hostile confrontation. The goal of the intervention is to convince the addicted person to seek out professional addiction treatment.

In order to prepare, it’s highly suggested to enlist the help of a trained interventionist that understands the requirements for a positive intervention. They’ll speak with each member of the intervention group to get an understanding of their relationship with the person needing treatment. From there, plans can be made to keep the event on track and comfortable for everyone involved.

The Process of Alcohol Intervention

Interventions are used throughout the world to more easily work with someone abusing alcohol in ways that are negatively impacting themselves and those around them. It’s not to cast blame or make the individual feel poorly about themselves, but to instead shine a light on how much of an impact the alcohol use truly has. With such a lofty goal set in place, it’s vital that everyone involved stick to their scripts and avoid letting their emotions get the better of them.

For help creating the perfect script that addresses the concerns of the group as well as getting out the emotions needed without going overboard, an intervention specialist will work with each party during the planning process. Be prepared to rehearse your script as needed or bring it along with you in order to hit each point you feel is important to share. Remember, an intervention is meant to surround someone with loved ones that they respect and will listen to.

No two interventions will be exactly the same, but the typical steps of an intervention are:

  1. Catching the individual by surprise so they don’t have time to avoid the meeting or find excuses not to attend.
  2. Explaining to them that all they need to do is sit and listen while everyone says what they need to say.
  3. Going around the room, allowing each member to express their care and concerns for the individual, ending with the most impactful person which is usually a spouse or close sibling.
  4. Getting the individual to agree to seek out professional addiction treatment or else the group will no longer support their substance abuse and will have to set new boundaries.
  5. Helping to transport the individual to treatment that was set up beforehand to make it a seamless transition.

As long as these steps are used as the guideline of an intervention, along with professional assistance, the chance of success is greatly increased. If the time has come for a loved one to have an intervention held for them, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Baystate Recovery Services with any questions you may have.

Michael Wilson