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It is very difficult when you care about someone and you realize that he or she has a substance abuse problem. Most people do not know how to get help or where to turn. This article will give you insight into a very powerful tool, which will help you assist your loved one--an INTERVENTION.

An intervention is a process where you "intervene" in a caring manner to try to help the person with the problem. It is a statement to that person that you care enough to take action. The intervention is a process where you specify how much you care, you give indisputable reasons where you have observed the substance abuse problem, and then you clearly point the way toward help as the only option. 

Chances are you will only have one opportunity to make the most profound impact on the person you want to help. Therefore, you want to make sure you are doing it exactly right the first time. So, the first thing to do is look in your phonebook under "Alcohol treatment" and find your local hospital that treats substance abuse. Then, through calling the hospital, find an "Intervention Counselor" with whom who you feel comfortable and confident (talk to several). Be sure to ask the counselor how much experience he or she has in doing successful Interventions. You may need to find an experienced Intervention Counselor from outside your immediate city.

The Intervention Counselor will help you go through a process similar to the following:

THE INTERVENTION

First, learn everything you can about the particular substance  and its harmful effects, treatments, helpful resources etc. Do your homework and become an expert yourself. Learn about all the treatment options available. Also, research all the experts’ opinions on how to run an Intervention effectively. Research on the Internet, the Library, local experts, everywhere you can.

Knowledge is power, but in the end, follow the advice of the experienced Intervention Counselor you have decided to trust if it differs from your own ideas. 

Next, contact the all the close friends, family members, and coworkers (even the boss), of the person with the problem. Choose about 4 or 5 people who you feel know the person well and are willing to participate in an Intervention and can describe the harmful effects of the substance. It is best NOT to choose people who have substance abuse problems themselves.

Then, have one or two Intervention rehearsals with the group you have chosen and the Intervention Counselor. Choose a group leader and the order for each speaker. Then go around the room and begin by having each person talk about how he or she loves and cares about the person and wants to help. Then have each speaker list specific and indisputable instances where the substance has caused problems. These are not generalizations such as "you drink all the time." Have the speaker end by saying you want the person to get help because you care.

This is not an opportunity to attack the person nor is it about trying to receive an apology. If any of the members of the Intervention Group cannot set aside their animosity, then that person should not be allowed to attend the Intervention as it could destroy the process.

The only emotion that should be present at the Intervention should be one of genuine concern. While rehearsing, help each other in the group to work toward this goal of having "genuine concern" come across in each presentation. You may want to have one person role-play the chemically dependent person during the rehearsals. Try to prepare for objections to treatment.

Once you have rehearsed the above process several times, then invite the person you care about to attend the Intervention. Begin by having the leader say "We are all here because we want to help…this is not easy for any of us…would you please help us by listening until we are finished…" Then go around the room reading your statements in your predetermined order. 

When each speaker has finished, the next step is to present the person with the path toward healing. Have a treatment program ready to take the person’s admission immediately. The decision for treatment MUST start immediately. 

If and only if the person refuses, there should be a back-up plan. This should include a clear statement of how things will be different if the person with the substance problem continues down the same path. Some examples could be that the job may be terminated, the free housing may stop, friends may refuse to go out together at night…whatever means possible to stop the enabling of the substance problem. These should be clear and firm statements that will definitely be carried out--not hollow threats that the substance abuser has heard before. This backup plan, as with all aspects of the Intervention, should be clearly thought through. 

If you are dealing with a chemically dependent person, then YOU need help and support. There are many support groups for those in your situation and a variety of avenues of assistance.  Search out this support and ask many questions.  Look in your phonebook for groups called ALANON (for alcohol related issues) and NARCANON (for other drugs).  These support groups are for YOU!

Do not try this process alone--there are too many complicated emotions involved and it is too important to do it right the first time.  Find an Intervention Counselor to guide you.

An Intervention is not an easy process, but it is a loving one.    You will feel better knowing that you made the effort. I wish you all the power of your love to do your best.

Dr. Kevin Grold.