Relatives of individuals suffering with addiction to a substance such as alcohol or drugs may be considering an intervention technique to try to get them to admit to their problem and, subsequently, to get treatment for it. Interventions can be the ideal way to get a loved one to open up to their addiction but, if done incorrectly, it could make the problem worse. Unless it is handled in a professional manner, the addicted person could become even more resistant to the idea of getting help and the loved ones could find themselves dealing with entirely new issues. Below are a few mistakes that are commonly made with interventions.
Not Planning Properly
Many people think that they can just throw an intervention together without any proper planning, but this is something to be avoided at all costs. Without proper planning, the whole thing could turn into a fiasco and could be a complete waste of everyone’s time. The individual you are trying to help could feel bullied and may be reluctant to ever participate in an intervention again. It is also worth remembering that addicts can be manipulative to get what they want and, without proper planning, they may use this to their advantage to turn the tide in their favour. Again, this would result in the entire intervention being wasted.
Not Having the Right People Involved
It is important to have individuals at the intervention that care about the addicted person and genuinely want to help. Do not ask people to attend if the addicted person has an issue with them. They will not open up in front of a person that they do not like or who brings out the worst in them. Even if that person is a close family member, do not ask them to be involved if their doing so will make matters worse. The point of the intervention is to help the addict, so worrying about hurting someone else’s feelings should not be considered.
Choosing the Wrong Time for the Intervention
Making enough time for the intervention so that it is not disturbed half way through is important. Make sure that whoever is attending has the time to stay until the end, especially so with the person who is to be helped. Do not arrange the intervention for a time when you know the addict will have an excuse to leave.
Allowing the Addict to Negotiate
The point of an intervention is to get the addicted individual to admit to the problem and to seek help. Therefore, it is vital that they are not permitted to try to negotiate for a ‘better deal’, such as promising to drink less or reduce the amount of drugs they take. This is not the aim of the intervention and once you allow them to make these deals, the intervention will become pointless.
Not Having Any Treatment Options Ready
If the intervention is a success and the addict admits to a problem and agrees to get help, it is essential that there are some options for rehabilitation on the table. Failure to have options ready means that the addict could have a re-think and decide that they do not want to get help after all. It is important that the help is available to them as soon as they agree to it.
Help with Interventions
If the thoughts of organising an intervention alone are daunting then it is a good idea to get external help. Intervention specialists can offer guidance on how to arrange one, which may prove very helpful. Moreover, for rehabilitation options, Addiction Helper can provide addiction advice and information on the best treatments and rehabilitation centres available.