How to Plan a Drug Intervention
Ronnie Evans
July 03, 2006
It is very difficult to watch someone you love destroy their life with drugs. It is common to feel powerless and unable to help, but even someone who appears to have hit rock bottom from drug use can be reached. A well-planned, strategic intervention can stop the denial associated with addiction and persuade the individual to seek professional help. You do not have to be a professional to intervene in an addict’s life, you simply need to care. You will most likely get the support of others who are also concerned. Although you may feel unprepared and unqualified to intervene, there are steps you can follow to help you create a successful drug intervention plan.
A Drug Intervention is a Positive Confrontation
As you prepare to confront the person who is addicted, remember that your goal is to convince that person to seek help. A confrontation does not have to be aggressive or angry, but should be positive and supportive. If you are hesitating for reasons of fear or nervousness regarding the addict’s reaction to your intervention, remember that the entire purpose of this intervention is to help the addict stop denial and truthfully address the seriousness of the situation. This is not to say that the drug intervention will be easy or even appreciated, but you must conquer your own fears and disregard your apprehension in order to commit yourself to helping someone you love end their addiction.
Choose Carefully who you will Involve
When choosing those persons who will be involved in the intervention, make sure that they have experienced your loved one’s behaviour on drugs. Typically, the appropriate people to ask for help in a drug intervention include family members, friends or a trained interventionist. It is inappropriate to ask a casual acquaintance or a work colleague. If you encounter some resistance from family and friends, dissuade their fears and worries by educating them about addiction and reassuring them that without an intervention the addiction will not stop.
Your Tone is as Important as What You Say
When you confront your loved one, the tone of your voice is as important as what you actually say. Even when your words express concern and love, if your tone betrays feelings of judgment or disgust, the intervention will not be successful. Remember that the intervention is for the good of the addicted individual and whatever personal feelings you may have about their problem should be set aside. Words like, “we love you and want you to stop destroying your life with drugs” are encouraging. You want to be clear that you are supportive, but you do not condone a life on drugs. This may be one of the hardest things you ever do in your lifetime, but if you approach the situation with love and compassion you may be able to reach someone in dire need of your help.
A Drug Intervention is a Positive Confrontation
As you prepare to confront the person who is addicted, remember that your goal is to convince that person to seek help. A confrontation does not have to be aggressive or angry, but should be positive and supportive. If you are hesitating for reasons of fear or nervousness regarding the addict’s reaction to your intervention, remember that the entire purpose of this intervention is to help the addict stop denial and truthfully address the seriousness of the situation. This is not to say that the drug intervention will be easy or even appreciated, but you must conquer your own fears and disregard your apprehension in order to commit yourself to helping someone you love end their addiction.
Choose Carefully who you will Involve
When choosing those persons who will be involved in the intervention, make sure that they have experienced your loved one’s behaviour on drugs. Typically, the appropriate people to ask for help in a drug intervention include family members, friends or a trained interventionist. It is inappropriate to ask a casual acquaintance or a work colleague. If you encounter some resistance from family and friends, dissuade their fears and worries by educating them about addiction and reassuring them that without an intervention the addiction will not stop.
Your Tone is as Important as What You Say
When you confront your loved one, the tone of your voice is as important as what you actually say. Even when your words express concern and love, if your tone betrays feelings of judgment or disgust, the intervention will not be successful. Remember that the intervention is for the good of the addicted individual and whatever personal feelings you may have about their problem should be set aside. Words like, “we love you and want you to stop destroying your life with drugs” are encouraging. You want to be clear that you are supportive, but you do not condone a life on drugs. This may be one of the hardest things you ever do in your lifetime, but if you approach the situation with love and compassion you may be able to reach someone in dire need of your help.