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How to Prepare for an Intervention

Written by Seth Fletcher on December 16, 2015
Last update: February 28, 2024
Does your loved one suffer from drug or alcohol abuse?It's a scary fact to consider, but over 47,000 Canadians die annually as a result of substance abuse. Don't let your loved one become a statistic. If you're unsure how best to help them, an intervention is a great way to approach them with genuine concern in hopes that they'll seek treatment or visit a professional drug rehab facility. Before you perform an intervention, here are four things you must do. 

How to do an intervention?

Educate yourself

Before you begin, you’ll want to decide if an intervention is the best way to go. Does your loved one have a serious addiction problem or just some bad habits that you don’t like? Make sure you fully understand the extent of their problem and recognize the signs of addiction in order to decide if professional drug rehab is a good option for them. A quick fact to consider: men often have higher addiction rates than women. In contrast, women suffer from anxiety disorders more than men do. Perhaps if your loved one is a woman, they may need psychotherapy in addition to a drug rehab program to address the common mental issues.

Make a plan

Once you’ve decided that an intervention is the best course of action, you’ll need to make a plan. If you’re unsure of how to approach such a difficult situation, it may be best to consult a professional. They have had experience helping those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and can guide you through the process. You can seek the help of a professional drug rehab counselor, a social worker or a psychiatrist.Before you begin, you’ll want to decide when and where it is best to hold the intervention. A place where the addict doesn’t feel threatened is best. Choose a private place where the person feels comfortable like their own home or a family member’s home, never in public.

Gather other friends and family members

Form an intervention team of concerned yet supportive friends and family members who have been impacted by the addict’s drug abuse. Invite them to help plan the intervention. Sometimes, family members can be extremely emotionally involved, so it may be best to include some unbiased friends or professionals to explain the solid facts of the drug rehab process.

Find the best treatment option

Depending on the type of addiction your loved one suffers from, you will have to choose the best and most beneficial treatment plan. You may want to consider inpatient rehab centers, going to therapy or attending a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous.There are specialized options such as alcohol addiction treatment and substance abuse treatment centers, but you’ll need to do research to see which options suits them best. People who suffer from addiction are typically three times more likely to have a mental illness; you may need to find a rehab center that has a combination of therapy, support groups and rehabilitation to ensure your loved one receives comprehensive treatment.An intervention treatment can save your loved one's life. Make sure you are well prepared so that the intervention is successful and leads them to get the help they need. We hope this post has helped you learn how to do an intervention, the right way. 
Certified Addiction Counsellor

Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors.

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