How to Stage a Sucessful Drug Intervention
In 2017 alone, more than 70,000 people died from a drug overdoses. That is a staggering statistic for anyone to hear, but if you have a loved one that suffers from an addiction, it is downright scary.
That is why it is important to reach out to the people in our lives that have drug addiction problems. But how do you talk to someone about a problem they don’t even know they have? Addicts are often blind to their own addictions, which makes having a conversation almost impossible. But if you stage a drug intervention, you might be able to get through to them.
Assemble the dream team
The most important step to planning an intervention is making sure you have the best possible intervention team assembled. The team should consist of the addict’s loved ones and people they respect. Look to siblings, friends and coworkers who can contribute and help your loved one see their addiction for what it is. Don’t include anyone on the team who is currently fighting with your loved one, or who can’t control their emotions during the intervention.
Find the perfect setting
After assembling a team, you need to determine where the intervention should be held. This is an important step because you will want your loved one to feel comfortable, but not too comfortable. For example, it wouldn’t be a good idea to hold the intervention at the addict’s house where they can retreat to their room and lock themselves in. Hold the intervention at one of the team member’s homes if it is somewhere the addict has had good, healthy memories in.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
Without rehearsing for the intervention, it will probably end in disaster. Each person on the intervention needs to have a well-thought-out speech to give. You need to know who is going to talk first and who will close it out. By writing out individual speeches or notes on what to talk about, you can make sure the intervention stays on track and you don’t forget anything important.
You will also want to practice the recovery plan you will present to the addict at the end of the intervention. Be sure to have a rehab facility, such as this center, in mind so you can discuss it with your loved one.
Keep your emotions in check
No matter how much you rehearse, you won’t be able to prepare for all of the emotions that will come up during the intervention. You don’t know how your loved one will react. They could be open to hearing what you say, or they could become defensive, angry and accusatory.
Whatever happens, it is imperative that you all keep your emotions in check. If your loved one gets angry, don’t get angry back. Diffuse the situation as best as you can and stick to the script. By practicing mindfulness and remaining calm, you can keep control of the intervention. If you get upset or angry at your loved one, the intervention will be over before you know it.
How to stage a drug intervention: Don’t give up
The most important step to staging a drug intervention: never give up, even if the intervention fails. After giving your loved one some space, consider planning another intervention. Sometimes it takes more than one discussion for your loved one to see how harmful their addiction has become.
Want to learn more about addiction? Check out this article on how genetics can lead to addiction.
Article written by Jane Davies
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.