Interventions: 10 Steps to Help Alcoholics or Addicts

Alcohol and substance abuse disorders affect more than just the primary person. It can be challenging for loved ones to help someone struggling with addiction as they often deny having a problem. People are often ashamed of their substance or alcohol misuse because of the stigma of addiction. Substance and alcohol use disorders also alter the brain chemistry, making it nearly impossible to quit without professional assistance. Sometimes it’s the family and friends who intervene in order to effectively get them into alcohol and drug detox.

If you are considering setting up an intervention for someone you care about, contact Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485 today.

In an effort to destigmatize, alcohol addiction is now typically referred to as alcohol use disorder. Meanwhile, drug addiction is now commonly called substance use disorder. Approaching a loved one about getting help can be a daunting task. With compassion, though, a bright future is possible for the person struggling and their loved ones.

10 Ways to Help Someone With Addiction

There are techniques to help family and friends approach someone struggling in a manner that won’t further push them away. It would help if you had a plan in place before intervening. Consider these strategies:

1. Educate Yourself About Alcohol and Substance Misuse

People misusing substances or alcohol often feel misunderstood. Typically, they feel the most misunderstood by their own family. Family members who take the time to familiarize themselves with facts about addiction have better outcomes with their interventions.

2. Know What They Are Using

Understand what you are dealing with:

• Seek out the signs of different addictions and ways to discern what they are using.
• A person using heroin has different issues and challenges than someone with alcohol use disorder.
• Keep in mind that many people also have more than one addiction.

3. Research the Substance

This will help you determine what treatments are appropriate. Heroin, alcohol, and prescription medications will almost always require professional support during detoxification.

4. Look at Possible Treatment Options

Determine the treatment option that will be most beneficial:

• The severity of the addiction should help determine what level of treatment is needed.
• An outpatient program in which a client gets part-time treatment may be enough.
• If they are coping with more severe issues, an intensive residential program is recommended.

5. Establish a Treatment Budget

Determine the person’s budget:

• What is their financial situation?
• Do they have insurance?
• Research programs that offer financing options if needed.

6. Gather Friends and Family Members to Help

You’re likely not the only one worried about your loved one. Talk to their close friends and family members about your concerns. Present them with the information you’ve gathered regarding treatment options. It’s best to confront them with more than one person. This way, they can see how their addiction is affecting the people in their lives.

7. Prepare For the Worst, But Expect the Best

In most cases, the person doesn’t respond well to being confronted about their substance or alcohol misuse. They may express anger, hurt, embarrassment, confusion, or a wide range of other negative emotions. The more you can all prepare for this, the better.

8. Conduct the Intervention

Professional assistance is recommended when conducting an intervention. Licensed therapists and counselors,  known as interventionists, can guide you and your family throughout the entire process. They will instruct participants to avoid presenting accusations and to approach the person in a non-judgmental manner.

9. Post Intervention

The goal of an intervention is for your loved one to accept help. In most cases, this comes as a voluntary admission to a recovery treatment center. If they choose to deny help or attempt to delay, you must establish boundaries with them for your own well-being and the family’s well-being.

10. Follow Through with Plans

Ensure that everyone participating in the intervention is prepared to follow through with the original plan. If your loved one refuses treatment, you must cease from enabling them. This may even include discontinuing communication from them until they are ready.

Move Forward

Regardless of which decision your loved one makes, do not hold their past mistakes against them. This does not you would ignore potential signs of a relapse. If you suspect them of using again, confront them and maintain boundaries. Through all of this, remember that you have done everything in your power to help your loved one.

Find Help at Serenity Grove

By going through these steps, you will have provided your loved one with a foundation for recovery. While in many circumstances, the person struggling may not accept the help immediately, a well-staged intervention may make it more likely that they will accept help in the future Drug and alcohol addiction can be a debilitating, even deadly illness, but with knowledge, love, support, and professional assistance your family can find peace and happiness once again.

If you or a loved one would like more information or the help of an interventionist, please reach out to Serenity Grove today at 844.904.3485. We are standing by to help you and your family make the best effort to get your loved one the care they need.