Tips For An Intervention With a Family Member

When it comes to having to step in and intervene with a family member that has been faced with addiction, the details of where to begin can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering where to start, how to go about it, and what exactly to say.

Remember that having an intervention doesn’t mean that you are ganging up on anyone or are out to make anyone feel as if they’ve done anything wrong. You are doing a favor for the person that you love and should feel confident that what you are doing is ensuring them a better future for themselves and everyone else in their lives that love them.

Instead of feeling guilt, follow these tips for how to go about strategizing the best intervention for the person that you love.

Develop a Plan

It’s important to sit down and write a plan for what exactly you are hoping to achieve in your intervention session.

It is important to ask yourself questions, such as what rehab you are going to send them to. What kind of support system can you provide to them once they’ve finished treatment?

Consider the type of support system you can offer once their treatment concludes. Deliberate on the kind of follow-up care they require to maintain their rehabilitation and recovery journey.

By documenting a well-structured plan that covers the topics of enrolling them in a rehab center (similar to this Alcohol and Drug treatment center NJ), recovery strategies, and a strong support network surrounding family and friends, you create a roadmap that minimizes the potential for oversight or gaps in their recovery process.

Decide On Who Should Be There

Decide who should be at the meeting by choosing carefully who you think your family member trusts most. Remember that interventions are incredibly emotional and humbling. Therefore only bring people who the affected family member has the utmost confidence and trust in. Otherwise, you run the risk of embarrassing and humiliating them.

Choose a Private Setting

Choose a place that is private, not in a cafe or anywhere in the public eye. Ideally, it will be in someone’s house. There should be no children or extra noise.

Consider eliminating and possible distractions first before planning your intervention.

Keep It Loving

If your family member starts to become frustrated or cross, keep your tone loving and remember to repeat phrases that are encouraging and full of compassion.

If you allow yourself to seem like you are attacking them rather than helping them, then you run the risk of completely blowing the entire purpose of the meeting.

Stay Patient

It’s crucial that you remain patient even if you start to become agitated about their response or lack of appreciation for what it is you are trying to achieve during this talk.

Sometimes conducting rehearsals prior to the intervention can help you remain prepared for any responses they may come up with which can throw you into a state of agitation.

Try repeating a mantra in your head that encourages compassion, patience, and love.