It can be heartbreaking watching your loved one suffer with any form of addiction. Whether they’ve become hooked on gambling or simply can’t get through a day without taking drugs or having a beer, you can see their health, both mental and physical, deteriorate, their behaviours change and them just turning into a person you, frankly, don’t know anymore.

In fact, seeing a loved one’s life spiralling out of control can often leave you feeling helpless. But there are things you can do and one of the ways you can help is by staging an intervention. Whether it be a drug intervention, for alcohol, for gambling or for any other form of addiction it doesn’t matter, they all follow a similar pattern. And it’s a pattern you need to get right if your loved one is going to listen and get the help they need.

So, if you do want to play an active part in helping your loved one overcome their addiction, here are some top tips on staging and intervention…

Understand the Nature of Addiction

Before you step in and hold the intervention you need the knowledge to power it. There’s no point going into it not really knowing the facts of addiction and the way it affects people. You want to be able to almost get in the mind of your loved one, so you need to know how addiction affects the brain, behaviour and emotions. 

By educating yourself on their specific form of addiction it’ll allow you to approach the situation empathetically, as well as without judgement. It’ll also prevent you from getting frustrated or angry during the intervention itself as you’ll be much more clued up on what to expect, as well as what they’re going through.

There are plenty of resources available online, while it can be a good idea to reach out to the likes of counsellors and therapists who can provide plenty of valuable insight and direction on next steps. 

Assemble a Support Team

One thing you shouldn’t do is think you can tackle the intervention on your own. It’s a case of strength in numbers, although you should also be careful on not being too intimidating. What you want to do is assemble a small group of family members or friends who have a positive influence on their life, but also have been affected by their addiction.

They need to all be on the same page in that you don’t want to be confrontational, but rather there to love and support. What’s more, you want to create an environment that’s safe, supportive and everyone knows when they need to speak as you don’t want too many voices and interruptions as it will only dilute and confuse the messaging.

Plan the Intervention Carefully

Which does follow on to planning the intervention carefully. Staging an intervention is not something you should do on the spur of the moment. It requires careful planning to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. First, choose a location that feels safe and neutral. It could be a family home, a trusted friend’s house, or a private space where the individual will feel comfortable.

Next, decide on a time that will not clash with any major events or stressful moments in your loved one’s life. The timing of the intervention is crucial, as you want to catch them when they are in a state of mind to listen and reflect.

It’s also a good idea to consider seeking the guidance of a professional, such as an addiction counsellor or interventionist, who can help structure the intervention and keep it focused. They can offer advice on the best way to communicate and how to handle any resistance or emotional outbursts that may arise.

Prepare What You Will Say

Each person involved in the intervention should prepare a statement outlining how the addiction has affected them personally and expressing their concern for the individual. These statements should be calm, respectful, and honest. Focus on how the addiction is harming their health, relationships, and overall wellbeing, but avoid blaming or shaming the person.

Use “I” statements to communicate your feelings, such as “I’ve noticed that you’ve become withdrawn, and I’m really worried about your health” rather than “You’re ruining your life.” This keeps the tone of the conversation compassionate rather than accusatory, which can help reduce defensiveness.

Be prepared for emotional responses, and remember that the goal is to encourage them to accept help, not to win an argument.

Offer a Clear Treatment Plan

The intervention should not be about just pointing out the problem but also offering a solution. Research treatment options in advance, so you can present them with a clear and actionable plan. This could include rehab centres, outpatient programmes, counselling, or detox services.

It’s crucial to have these arrangements ready to go so that if your loved one agrees to seek help, they can start treatment as soon as possible. Many people have moments of clarity during interventions but can become resistant or hesitant if given too much time to reconsider.

Be Prepared for Resistance

Not every intervention leads to an immediate acceptance of help, and your loved one may react defensively or angrily. They may deny the severity of their problem, lash out, or even leave the room. While it’s important to stay calm and patient, be firm about the need for change.

If the person refuses help, remind them that the offer stands and that you will continue to support them when they are ready to seek treatment. Sometimes, the intervention plants a seed, and the individual will come around after they’ve had time to reflect.

Follow Up After the Intervention

If your loved one agrees to treatment, it’s important to follow through with the support you’ve promised. Help them with the logistics of getting to treatment, and remain involved in their recovery process. Recovery is a long journey, and ongoing support from family and friends can make a huge difference.

If the intervention doesn’t go as planned, don’t give up. Keep the lines of communication open, and continue offering your support. Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts for an individual to recognise the need for help.