Staging a family intervention for a person who is struggling with drug addiction is no easy task. It takes careful planning and coordination to make it work. Each member of the family or community that decides to be part of the intervention process must be committed to helping the patient get over his addiction. Also, you may opt to seek professional advice from a licensed drug counselor or interventionist prior to the actual intervention.
How Does Family Intervention Work?
Here are some things to take note of before going through with a family intervention:
1. Make a plan – Family member initiates conducting an intervention. Best to consult a professional to be prepared with the possible scenarios as to how the patient would respond. Situations like these may trigger anger, resentment, and a sense of betrayal on the part of the patient.
2. Gather information – Gauge the gravity of the situation and the condition of the patient and learn about the different treatments available.
3. Form the Intervention Team – This is the group that will personally participate in the intervention.
4. Decide on Specific Consequences – This is the course of action you will take in case the patient resists the treatment.
5. Make Notes on What to Say – Cite incidents where the addiction caused further issues and discuss the effects it had on the family but make him feel that you come from a place of love and care and that you have faith that he will be able to turn things around.
6. Hold the Intervention Meeting – This is it! Without letting the patient know what is about to happen, bring the patient to the venue where the family intervention will happen. Here, each member of the intervention team will express their thoughts and feelings. The patient will then be asked to undergo treatment and has to accept it on the spot otherwise, each member will state what action he will undertake as a consequence to the patient’s resistance. Never pose a threat unless you are sure you can follow through with it.
7. Follow-up – Appoint a member that will oversee and ensure that the patient sticks to his treatment and avoid the potential of relapse.
Moving Forward
After the actual intervention has been conducted, it is equally important to let the patient know and understand the goals that he needs to achieve moving forward. Instill in him a sense of accountability for his actions and the consequences that he would need to face in the event that he fails to keep up with his treatment. At this point, it is essential that all participating members of the family intervention stand firm and be ready to impose such consequences if the situation calls for it.
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