They may fear the consequences, but it is paramount that they are followed through with to try and push a result, being rehabilitation or detoxification. There is no one size fits all when it comes to staging an intervention. Each addiction is different, each vice is different, and each user prioritizes them differently. There are virtually endless combinations of causes and effects at any given time. For this reason, you need to be calm and willing to listen, no matter what. When someone you love is facing addiction, it’s hard to know where to turn.

Professional Intervention v.s. DIY Intervention: Guidelines and Takeaways
When people feel attacked, they tend to become defensive and stop listening to what others are saying. Some professional interventionists charge on a sliding scale or offer financing options. Generally, insurance policies don’t cover the cost of an intervention. In some cases, the only goal of an alcohol intervention is to get someone to drink less. Mild alcohol abuse occurs when a person’s drinking interferes with their lives and those around them.
- Experienced counselors, social workers, and interventionists understand how interventions should work to maximize the potential of a positive outcome.
- Having a certified professional present during an intervention is critical to creating a successful plan that addresses the needs of each individual involved.
- Family members can provide additional support by attending family therapy sessions or regular check-ins with their loved one’s care team.
- Part of planning an intervention includes deciding who should come.
Step 3: Write Personal Statements
The interventionist should ask that no responses be given until each person has finished their entire letter. An intervention is an organized attempt to convince someone they have a substance use issue that requires treatment. Addiction affects the entire family, and each member plays a part in the vicious cycle. It is your job to recognize your enabling behaviors- and it is also your job to commit to stopping those behaviors immediately. An intervention is not an ambush or a confrontation but rather a carefully orchestrated conversation.
Offering Treatment Options

Family interventions are delicate matters that must be done properly to minimize the negative effects on the family and the alcoholic. They should not be undertaken without the guidance of a professional. Also, an experienced counsellor can give you some clues about how to approach the alcoholic; the more you know about his mindset, the more likely you are to have a successful result.
It’s possible to simultaneously treat alcoholism and co-existing mental disorders
Before an alcohol intervention can take place, an initial screening gives everyone involved a clearer understanding of the individual’s drinking habits and whether treatment may be necessary. The goal here is to gauge the level of risk and identify any potential signs of alcohol addiction. Ideally, you will work with a professional to conduct your intervention, and they will provide you with guidance on how to respond when the intervention doesn’t seem to be working. If your loved one does not enter treatment following an intervention, you may need to take a step back. Continuing to provide money, support, and a place to stay can enable them to continue with their addiction. A professional interventionist can provide you with training on how to modify your how to do an intervention for an alcoholic own behavior to increase the likelihood that your loved one will enter treatment.
Step 2: Finding Professional Help And Guidance From An Interventionist
Additionally, it is often recommended to conduct Alcoholics Anonymous an intervention in the presence of a counselor or specialist if your loved one has a history of extreme mood swings or violence. If the conversation begins to take a turn for the worse, a professional will be able to mitigate the situation and keep everyone safe. Start the conversation, and connect with a treatment provider who can help. In some cases, the person who is addicted isn’t ready or willing to accept responsibility for their problem. The intervention itself may set off additional behavior problems that can complicate the relationship between the addicted person and the intervention team members. After the intervention, it is important to follow through with any promises made.
- Trained professionals will know how to deal with this in a safe and effective manner.
- Giving specific, situational examples helps people understand how their actions affect others.
- Ensure that the setting is free from distractions and conducive to a serious conversation.
- Not bringing in a professional will prevent the family from having a team of people to help address the volatility that will come with early sobriety attempts.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that every insurance plan has a set of criteria (age, pregnancy, having a family member who served in the military, etc.). That’s why it’s important to contact any particular rehab center from your list and ask about insurance options. Don’t apply for Humana without asking “does Humana cover alcohol rehab” first. There is a root cause behind every addiction, and alcoholism isn’t an exception. That’s why a safe and non-judgemental space is important so an alcoholic can open up about their problems.
In order to have a successful intervention, careful planning and preparation should be done beforehand. The Stages of Change is a form of alcohol intervention based on the idea that individuals progress through different stages as they move towards overcoming their alcohol addiction. This includes pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.
