How to Stage an Intervention for a Loved One

When it comes down to it, an intervention rooted in love and concern can be a turning point. With the right preparation, you can create a space for understanding, hope—and, most importantly, positive and lasting change. So, how can you ensure your intervention has the best chance of success? In this article, we take a closer look at what an intervention is, the steps involved, and additional tips to help guide you. 

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What is an Intervention?

An intervention¹, in the simplest terms, is a carefully planned, structured, and encouraging conversation that empowers your loved one struggling with addiction to get the help and treatment they need. Often portrayed in a negative light on television, it’s actually better to focus on the positive and not resort to blame or finger-pointing. 

It must be carefully planned to avoid emotional outbursts, arguments, shame, or judgment. The key during this conversation is to offer support and solutions. And this is best done alongside a professional who may act as a mediator² or advisor during the conversation. However, having a professional present isn’t always necessary, but it’s usually recommended. An addiction or mental health specialist can help lead the intervention, as well as help with planning.

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Types of Interventions

Surprisingly, there are a few different types of interventions³, including:

1. Simple Interventions: This involves a one-on-one conversation. A close family member or friend will meet with the person in a neutral environment, discuss their concerns, and have an open dialogue regarding treatment and help.
2. Classic Interventions: This is often how interventions are portrayed in movies and TV, but they tend to lack the structure needed in real life. A classic intervention involves close family and friends sharing prepared statements, all with a clear goal in mind.
3. Crisis Interventions: This intervention is done when there is a clear threat or danger, such as multiple overdoses.

The type of intervention will depend on your resources and circumstances, as well as the needs of your loved one struggling with an addiction. Additionally, other types of interventions exist, varying in approach and purpose beyond those mentioned above.

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Staging an Intervention: Step-By-Step

If you’re unsure where to start, here is what we recommend⁴:

Step 1: Get Professional Guidance

This step involves getting guidance from a professional in this area, such as a professional interventionist, mental health worker, social worker, or doctor. It may also include discussions with the professional and family or friends who will be present. 

Step 2: Create Your Team

Consider who should be there and who shouldn’t, as you want to create a safe environment without judgment. If you know individuals who are likely to be argumentative, it’s likely best they don’t attend. 

Step 3: Plan

This includes planning:

• The location
• Time
• What should be said and who should say it
• List of people who will be there

Everything in the plan will guide the intervention and its timing. A professional can play a key role in helping with this step and ensuring it’s done in a compassionate and caring way.

Additionally, it can also help to plan who will help with what during addiction treatment. For example, lay out who will be responsible for driving your loved one to and from treatment (or to treatment if they choose residential rehab). Ensure it’s known who will attend family therapy or support group sessions during treatment. Knowing these things ahead of time can make the intervention itself (and the initial first step for the addict) that much easier.

Step 4: Practice

This may be difficult, but doing it once or twice without the individual with the addiction present can help prepare each individual. This can also help everyone keep their cool during the intervention. It will also help avoid interruptions and allow each person to speak in turn.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to go over potentially heated disagreements or issues that may come up with your loved one. This can help you all determine how to deal with it beforehand rather than in the moment.

Step 5: Manage Expectations

It is within your loved one’s right to refuse help. It’s important that everyone understands that this is a strong possibility. If they refuse, have a list of consequences ready to address and be ready to implement these consequences accordingly.

Step 6: Hold the Intervention

Arrange a time to meet your loved one, ensure everyone knows the plan, and that all steps above have been followed and considered. Afterward, make sure everyone follows through on what was said. This may involve planning times or dates for treatment.

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The Dos & Don’ts

Here are a few more tips to be aware of:

• Do set boundaries⁵. Make sure everyone who is attending the intervention is committed to dropping any enabling or codependency behaviors. Be ultra-clear that certain consequences will follow if the person refuses help to maintain individual boundaries.
• Don’t use labels when staging the intervention. For instance, avoid “junkie,” “addict,” or “alcohol.” These can come off as accusations, and your loved one may shut down.
• Don’t overwhelm your loved one with too many people present. Stick to a small, core group⁶.
• Don’t continue the intervention if it is clear the person you’re trying to help is intoxicated. This will be ineffective⁷.
• Do actively listen every step of the way. Often, addiction isn’t about the substance itself but other issues far beneath the surface.
• Do offer specific examples of how your loved one’s addiction has impacted you.
• Do approach the situation with compassion and empathy.
• Don’t fully give up on your loved one if the intervention fails. While you want to be clear about consequences, it’s important they know you care and are there when they are ready to get help. 

At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we understand how hard it can be to watch a loved one fall into a cycle of addiction. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. When your loved one is ready to get help, we can walk them through recovery from start to finish. Call us at 804-635-3746 to learn more.