What’s An Intervention?

It can be incredibly challenging to sit idle while watching a friend or loved one struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). One of the common themes you’ll hear in recovery is, “I wasn’t ready to accept help until I hit my rock bottom.” While the idea of a rock bottom might be true for some people, it’s definitely not necessary for everyone. Waiting to hit rock bottom is like shooting fireworks at your friends. It’s unnecessary, unhealthy, and increases the likelihood of injury or even fatality.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative to waiting around for people with SUD to receive help. It’s called an intervention! There’s a lot of misconception about interventions, so let’s break down what usually goes into them.

 

What To Expect

First, there’s the initial contact. When you reach out to an interventionist, they’ll ask you some questions about your circumstances to see if you’re an appropriate candidate. If deemed appropriate, they’ll either take you on as a client or recommend you to an alternative interventionist. During this time, you should make sure to clarify some important questions, such as:

  • How much do your services cost?
  • Are you certified? If so, what certification(s) do you hold?
  • What services do you include in your intervention?
  • Is your loved one open minded to receiving treatment?
  • What connections do you have to treatment providers?
  • What type of service do you think they need?

If the interventionist takes on your case, they’ll probably schedule a time to follow up and provide you with a set of expectations and preplanning. During this phase, you’ll receive clear instructions on what you’ll need, who should attend, best practices for communication. Ultimately, this stage should provide you with guidance on what to expect during your intervention.

The next step is the actual event. Your interventionist should be a facilitator, not an authoritarian on how the intervention transpires. The goal here is to help inspire your loved one to go to treatment, feel supported and loved. If all goes well, your interventionist should have a few treatment options available for your loved one if they agree to treatment.

 

If your loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, they are not alone. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Our team is here to help!