Intervention 101: How You Can Help an Addicted Loved One

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intervention for addicted loved one

Time and time again, you may hear about your loved ones not wanting help. However, day after day, you see him deteriorating right before your very eyes due to addiction.

The thing about addiction is that the addict may think there’s nothing wrong. After all, he’s not getting the full repercussions of his actions, with his family shielding him from them. There’s also the fact that the addict may be in denial.

And this is why intervention is important.

intervention for addicted loved one

What is intervention?

An intervention is a structured conversation or dialogue between an addict and his family or loved ones. This is often conducted under the supervision of an intervention specialist.

Usually, family members may talk to a loved one with an addiction problem. However, this doesn’t often work, since the addict may become defensive or even lash out aggressively. With the help of an addiction intervention, especially with a professional, you can make conversations easier and provide desirable results.

When should you think about an intervention?

It may be hard to approach someone who you suspect may have a substance abuse or behavioral addiction problem. What if your suspicions are wrong, after all? Then, there’s the problem of not knowing exactly what to say or how to go about it.

First, you have to figure out that someone may really need intervention. Here are the signs you should look out for.

  • Secretive behavior
  • Irresponsible behavior
  • Aggression
  • Defensiveness when confronted about a problem
  • Deterioration of health
  • Not minding one’s physical appearance (poor hygiene)
  • Problems in school or at work
  • Hanging out with known addicts
  • Borrowing money and selling belongings

How do you stage an intervention?

  1. Find an intervention specialist. You can have an intervention professional whom you can talk to about your loved one’s addiction. This specialist can also allow you to stage a more successful intervention as compared to when you do it on your own.
  2. Form your intervention group. Your intervention professional can create an intervention strategy that will eventually convince your loved one to go to a rehab. Your intervention group may include the people close to the addict, such as parents, partner, siblings, and children.
  3. Be prepared. Learn about the intervention, but most importantly, learn about the addiction. Also, be prepared about how the confrontation should go and any possible scenarios. Having a professional can help walk you through any trouble that may arise.
  4. Set a place and time. Set a place and time that is not threatening for the addict so he will be comfortable and will not feel cornered. Make it private and safe. Make sure that the addict is also sober when this happens.
  5. Get treatment. Let them get the help they need.

Interventions can be helpful for people who are addicted. It can also make their family members feel at ease, knowing that they have a chance at realizing their problem and getting the help they need.


For help with an addicted loved one, Bridges of Hope can provide addiction treatment in a rehab facility. Contact us at 09175098826.

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