An addiction or drug intervention is an educational meeting where a group of the addict’s close family and friends gather with the ultimate goal of getting the individual help. The ultimate goal of drug rehab intervention programs is to help the addict realize they have a problem and convince them that addiction treatment is their best option, which is why this process involves the close loved ones of the individual. Our Palm Springs, CA drug rehab offers intervention services for addiction to help spouses, family, and close friends get their loved one’s help.
What Happens in an Intervention?
In a drug intervention, a group of people come together and confront the person who’s addicted to drugs or alcohol about their problem. These people work together to persuade the person to accept treatment for their substance use disorder so they can recover.
Intervention programs for drug addicts are usually led by certified interventionists and include people who are very close to the individual, such as their spouse, family members, or close friends. The preparation for an intervention is just as important as the meeting itself, so what happens during the intervention is usually decided before the addict is involved.
Usually, intervention leaders are selected by the rest of the group; this person may be a spouse or a parent. The group usually meets to discuss what will be said during the meeting, when and where it will happen, and how they will get the individual there.
Group members of interventions usually meet to discuss what they know about the person and their drug or alcohol use. They may write letters detailing how the person’s behavior has impacted them personally, as well as their concern and love for them.
These letters are to be read during the meeting, one by one, to help the addict realize how their drug or alcohol use has impacted the people they’re closest to. These letters may end with statements to let the person know the repercussions of not accepting treatment.
These consequences are outlined not to corner the individual but rather to show them that they can’t continue behaving the way they are without some repercussions. In most cases, the group will try to find a reason to get the individual to the meeting place at a specific time.
The objective, usually, is to catch the person off guard and sober, allowing them to be vulnerable and open to the discussion. Once the person arrives at the meeting place, everyone is already present in the room and ready to begin. The person will be asked to have a seat, the leader of the group will explain the purpose of the gathering, and everyone will read their letters and define their boundaries.
What Are the Four Basic Steps of Intervention?
The intervention process typically involves several steps aimed at helping individuals with addiction recognize the need for treatment and facilitating their entry into a treatment program. While approaches may vary, here are the four basic steps often involved in an intervention:
- Planning:
- Preparation: The intervention team, which may include family members, friends, and a professional interventionist, collaborates to plan the intervention. They gather information about the individual's substance use, develop a strategy, and determine the consequences of not seeking treatment.
- Education: The team educates themselves about addiction, treatment options, and the intervention process. They also prepare emotionally for the intervention and discuss the importance of maintaining a supportive and non-confrontational tone.
- Confrontation:
- Expressing Concern: The team gathers the individual in a private and neutral setting. Expressions of love and concern are shared with the individual regarding their behavior and the impact of their addiction on themselves and others.
- Providing Specific Examples: Concrete examples of how the individual's behavior has affected relationships, work, health, and overall well-being are presented. The goal is to make the consequences of addiction clear and tangible.
- Offering a Solution:
- Treatment Options: The intervention team presents a well-researched and organized plan for treatment, including specific rehabilitation programs or therapeutic options.
- Support and Encouragement: The team emphasizes their willingness to support the individual throughout the recovery process. They offer encouragement and express belief in the individual's ability to overcome addiction.
- Setting Boundaries and Consequences:
- Establishing Boundaries: The team establishes clear boundaries and consequences if the individual refuses treatment. This may include the discontinuation of financial support, changes in living arrangements, or other measures designed to motivate the individual to seek help.
- Follow-Through: It's essential for the intervention team to be prepared to follow through with the outlined consequences if the individual chooses not to accept the offered treatment. This consistency reinforces the seriousness of the situation.
It's important to note that interventions should be conducted with care, empathy, and the guidance of a professional interventionist when possible. The goal is not to blame or shame the individual but to create a supportive environment that encourages them to recognize the need for treatment and take steps toward recovery.
Our Drug Addiction Intervention Services
The goal of intervention services for addiction is to encourage the individual to accept treatment. Although an intervention does not guarantee that the person will complete their drug or alcohol treatment program or remain sober in the long run, it’s usually the best start.
Addiction intervention resources are great for getting people with substance use disorders to understand the severity of their problem and how it’s impacted their loved ones. Usually, by realizing how they’ve hurt their spouses, family, or close friends, they’ll be more motivated to change not only for themselves but for the people they care about, as well.
With that said, the best way to do an intervention is with the help and guidance of a certified intervention specialist, and that’s where our Palm Springs, California, drug rehab comes in. Our Banyan Palm Springs facility offers addiction intervention services led by specialists who are certified to keep the peace during interventions, educate group members on substance use disorders, and suggest one of our levels of care for substance abuse treatment.
Contact Us for Addiction Intervention Help
Those seeking to set up an intervention for family members, spouses, or close friends with substance abuse problems can contact our Banyan Treatment Center location in Palm Springs for help. Our intervention specialists can help you organize the meeting, decide who should be there, and prevent emotional outbursts or family drama during the intervention that could distract from its purpose.
