Addiction is an incredibly difficult and painful disease for anyone to deal with. When you see a loved one struggling, all you want to do is be there for them and support them in their time of need. While your love and support are greatly appreciated, it’s not always enough for that person to completely beat addiction. Sometimes you need professional assistance or an intervention to help get them the help they need.
Holding an intervention for a friend or family member struggling with addiction is a nuanced thing. Chances are, your loved one may be sensitive about their problems or ashamed of how bad their situation has gotten. You want to approach them with all the love, care, and consideration you can. Make sure they know you are doing this for their own good. When you lead with empathy and offer practical solutions, they’re more likely to be receptive to what you’re ultimately saying. Here are a few tips and tricks on what to bring up during an intervention.
1. Have a plan to get your friend help.
Calling out a problem with no means for a solution can be incredibly harmful to that individual. When you have your intervention, make sure you mention an exact plan for how to help your friend or family member with their sobriety. Consider offering mental health counseling or treatment programs that involve psychotherapy. You can search for a psychologist near me to find a mental health professional with extensive experience in substance abuse and addiction. You can even access psychotherapy or group therapy in virtual settings if that works better for your lifestyle. They can also prescribe you with medication for your unique needs. Volunteer these treatment options as the first step for your friend or family member dealing with an alcohol or drug addiction.
2. Offer suggestions for positive rehab facilities.
In addition to suggesting a therapist, you can offer a holistic approach to healing with inpatient or outpatient rehab and treatment centers. This form of addiction treatment can offer comprehensive care for your loved one in a safe and secure location. You can look into luxury alcohol rehab programs that offer this unique treatment approach. With special one-on-one care and multi-disciplinary counselors, you’ll get more than just amazing amenities. Treat your mental health concerns and addiction with years of experience and a wellness treatment that serves the whole person. When you host your intervention, offer these treatment options for practical healing.
3. Repeat how much you love that person.
When you host an intervention, that individual can easily feel attacked or victimized. Help alleviate that worry by repeating how much you love that person. Show them that you’re trying to help because of how much you care. Be empathetic and kind and say ”I love you” as much as possible during your intervention conversation.
4. Frame addiction as a physical issue, not just a mental one.
Because an intervention is such a sensitive topic, it can help to frame it as a disease or issue that can’t be helped. Rather than only calling it a mental health issue, remember that alcohol abuse or drug addiction is also a physical disease. Mention that so your loved ones accept there is a cure and solution that can help them feel better.
5. Mention the people who are affected.
It’s common for people struggling with addiction to avoid getting medical care because they think it’s their own issue that doesn’t affect anyone else. Give them the final nudge or push toward treatment by mentioning the people affected. Say you’re worried for the kids or for their job. This can sometimes convince them to get the extra help.