What Is an Intervention? A Comprehensive Overview

If someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug use, it might come to a point when you don’t know what else to do. Perhaps you’ve tried to speak to them, offered them support and seen the situation affect their health, relationships and everyday lives. At this point, it may be time for an intervention. This guide reveals everything you need to know.

 

What Is an Intervention?

An intervention is a planned conversation between someone struggling with substance use and those who are concerned about them. The purpose of the meeting is to explain concerns, describe how the substance use is affecting the person and those around them and encourage them to accept help.

A constructive intervention isn’t dramatic and shouldn’t be about blaming someone or forcing them to admit they have a problem. It’s an opportunity for everyone to communicate honestly and calmly.

There’s no guarantee that an intervention will immediately result in treatment. The person may accept help, ask for time to think or become defensive and refuse. This is why it can be useful to prepare for different outcomes as well as prepare what you want to say beforehand.

 

When Might an Intervention be Needed?

An intervention isn’t always the first step when it comes to stopping substance use. But it is worth considering if concerns are growing and previous attempts to address the problem haven’t led to lasting change. Other signs that an intervention may be useful include:

• Substance use becoming increasingly frequent or intense
• Health problems developing or getting worse
• Difficulties at work, school or home
• Relationship breakdown
• Financial or legal problems connected with substance use
• The person denying or minimising the extent of their substance use
• Continuing to use alcohol or drugs despite clear negative consequences
• Friends and relatives becoming increasingly concerned about their safety

An intervention can be especially useful when people close to the individual can see consequences of the substance use but the person themselves doesn’t appear to acknowledge them.

 

Types of Interventions

There’s no single approach to intervention that is right for every family. Instead, they can be structured in different ways depending on the circumstances, relationships involved and nature of the substance use. That being said, there are two popular approaches:

Direct Interventions

A direct intervention is a planned conversation that involves the person experiencing the substance use problem and a small group of people who care about them. The people attending will usually prepare in advance and may use specific incidents that have caused concern and explain how that behaviour has affected them.

It’s important that the conversation remains focused on the person’s wellbeing and the possibility of getting help. This approach can be very effective when family members and close friends can come together with a shared purpose and communicate clearly.

Family Systemic Interventions

A family systemic intervention looks at the wider family relationships and dynamics surrounding substance use. For example, it explores communication, boundaries and the way family members have adapted to a person’s behaviour. That’s not to say that relatives are responsible for someone’s addiction, but the approach recognises that addiction affects more than one person.

The choice between approaches depends on the circumstances but a professional addiction specialist may be able to help a family decide whether an intervention is appropriate and what format may be most constructive.

 

How to Plan an Intervention

Planning is key when it comes to an intervention. Remember the aim isn’t to win an argument or force someone into admitting they have an addiction. Instead, it’s about expressing genuine concern and providing an opportunity for them to accept help.

Choosing Who Should Attend

An intervention doesn’t need to involve a large group. In fact, keeping the group small can make it feel less overwhelming. Only include people who have a genuine relationship with the person and who can communicate their concerns without becoming hostile. Everyone attending should understand the purpose of the meeting before it begins.

Preparing What to Say

One of the most important factors of an intervention is for participants to prepare their thoughts in advance. Focus on specific experiences rather than labels and generalisations and explain what you’ve noticed, why it concerns you and how it’s affected you. Don’t forget to explain that the intervention is happening because you value the person and want them to be safe.

It’s also helpful to prepare for different reactions and have a practical next step ready. If the person agrees to get help, know who they can contact and what treatment options are available.

Involving a Professional

A professional interventionist can provide structure before and during the conversation. They can also offer an objective perspective, help participants prepare and guide the discussion if emotions become difficult to manage. Their previous experience in interventions can prove valuable when creating a safe and more organised environment.

 

What Happens After an Intervention?

It’s important to remember that an intervention doesn’t always end with the person agreeing to treatment. However, if they do agree to get help, it’s beneficial to act quickly while they are receptive. This could mean arranging a GP appointment or contacting an addiction treatment provider.

If the person refuses help, however, it can be upsetting for everyone involved. Despite this, it’s important to not turn this refusal into an argument. Explain that your support remains available but that you may have to establish boundaries around what behaviour will be accepted and what consequences are no longer going to be managed.

One unsuccessful intervention doesn’t mean the situation won’t change in the future. People can become ready for treatment at different points, and a calm conversation might get them thinking about it, even if they refuse help immediately.

As a family, you may also want to get support for yourself. Living alongside addiction can be challenging and you don’t need to deal with these feelings alone.

 

You Don’t Have to Plan an Intervention Alone

If you’re considering an intervention, Addiction Advocates can help. You don’t need to work out what to say, who should attend or what happens next on your own. Instead, reach out for advice and we can support you in taking that important next step when helping someone you care about, while ensuring you’re looking after yourself along the way.