Addiction isn’t something you should ignore, yet so many people are doing just that.

Recent data has shown that around 35 million people across the globe are suffering from addiction and other drug use disorders. Of those people, only one in seven are seeking the treatment they need.

One of the biggest reasons this continues to happen is that, in many cases, a person might lose control of his or her life while still acting okay on the surface. Or perhaps they just refuse to acknowledge their problem, to themselves or to the people around them.

When a loved one is facing issues with drugs and alcohol, approaching them about it can be difficult. After all, it’s tempting to assume that they can take care of themselves without any help. Maybe you don’t feel as though it’s your place to say anything, or maybe you tell yourself that you’re exaggerating the situation.

Regardless of the reason, there are many cases in which a person struggles with drug use and does need help: help that they may not be able to give themselves. Even if it seems uncomfortable, speaking up might be the best thing you can do for them.

An effective approach for this is planning out an intervention with their closest friends, coworkers, and family members. However, staging a drug and alcohol intervention isn’t something that should be approached casually. In order to effectively convey your message, it’s best to plan carefully.

If you’re not sure what you’re doing, we’re here to help. Read on for our complete guide to the drug and alcohol intervention process.

Deciding to Stage a Drug and Alcohol Intervention

One of the most difficult parts about staging a drug and alcohol intervention is deciding to stage one in the first place. After all, it’s possible that you are perceiving the situation to be different than it actually is; there’s always going to be variables that you aren’t aware of.

While it’s impossible to monitor the person’s life all the time, there are things you can look for that might indicate that you should consider a drug and alcohol intervention.

Here are some of the top signs of addiction in adults:

• Changes in health, such as weight change, deteriorating skin/nails/teeth, or chronic illnesses
• Irritability and uncharacteristically aggressive behavior
• Lack of adherence to professional and social obligations
• General apathy towards relationships and things they once enjoyed
• Physical symptoms such as sweating, twitching, or vomiting
• Changes to regular speech patterns, such as slurring words or excessive rambling
• Unexplained disappearances and lack of responsiveness to calls/texts/etc.

If a loved one is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, then it’s reasonable to believe that a drug and alcohol intervention should be the next step.

One more thing to remember is this: go with your gut. Chances are, if you really feel like something is off, then it probably is. If you are coming from a position of love and empathy, then you will open the floor for a much-needed discussion.

Drug and Alcohol Intervention Strategies

In order to stage a successful drug and alcohol intervention, you’ll need to be well-prepared beforehand. Below are some of the key steps to take when planning out your intervention.

1. Gather Your Intervention Group

Form a core group of the person’s closest friends and family members. You may also want to find out how to hire a drug and alcohol counselor for an intervention.

2. Focus on Positives

When staging a drug and alcohol intervention, the person can easily switch to defensive mode, preventing you from getting through to them. This is why it’s important to focus on positives: remind the person how much you love them and what their best characteristics are. That way, you’ll be able to communicate your concerns without making the person feel attacked.

3. Plan Out What You’re Going to Say

Each individual in the intervention group should write out their own personal statements to the person, explaining how the addiction has affected their relationship and how it makes them feel. Avoid accusations or personal attacks: remember, always come from a position of love and empathy.

4. Do Your Research

Arm yourself with statistics as well as drug and alcohol intervention programs to suggest to the person. The more informed you are, the more effectively you’ll be able to communicate your message.

5. Practice the Drug and Alcohol Intervention

Spontaneity is something that should be avoided at all costs when staging a drug and alcohol intervention. Before your intervention, do a run-through with your intervention group to be sure everyone is on the same page and knows exactly what they’re going to say.

6. Outline the Consequences

When you’re staging a drug and alcohol intervention, you need to communicate the consequences that could happen as a result of the person refusing help and continuing on with their lifestyle. This will not only protect you, but it will also give the person a solid reason to acknowledge their drug use and seek the treatment they need.

7. Plan for Every Outcome

Despite your best efforts, a drug and alcohol intervention might no go as planned. This is why it’s important to manage your expectations and prepare for the worst. That way, you’ll avoid losing control of your emotions and potentially damaging the relationship with the person even further.

Monitoring the Treatment Process

If the person agrees to seek treatment following a drug and alcohol intervention, your support shouldn’t stop there. Around 40-60% of patients who start addiction treatment end up relapsing, so it’s important to continue monitoring the person even after they’ve entered rehab.

A relapse doesn’t necessarily mean that the treatment was unsuccessful, or that the person is unable to overcome their addiction: it just means that they need to return to treatment or adjust the current approach. Either way, with the support of you and their loved ones, they’ll be able to successfully complete treatment and change their life for the better.

Start the Intervention Process Today

If you’re worried that a loved one may be struggling with addiction and in need of help, don’t wait to start the intervention process. Now that you know how to stage a drug and alcohol intervention, start your plan today.

Contact us today to hire a drug and alcohol intervention specialist that can help you stage a successful intervention.