Understanding interventions

Guiding a loved one towards recovery

Addiction is a family disease, as it significantly impacts the individual, their family and friends. If you are concerned about a loved one, recognising the signs and knowing how and when to intervene can greatly assist in guiding them toward recovery. An intervention can be a daunting task for both the intervening party and the loved one struggling with addiction, so understanding how to approach the process is essential for reaching a positive outcome.

Willingness

It is a common misconception that individuals must be willing for treatment to work, but an intervention’s goal is to motivate change even when the person is resistant. Interventions can be effective in initiating recovery as a person struggling with addiction may still be in denial about the extent of their disease and the negative effect this is having on their loved ones.

Willingness can develop later through structured support. At Houghton House, we assist in gently leading your loved one to surrender through individual counselling sessions, group therapy and working through the 12 steps of recovery.

Implementing an intervention

1. Assemble a team: This team can include between four and six people who form part of the family, close friends and an intervention professional. The people on the team should be those that the person struggling with addiction respects, loves or depends on.
2. Consult professionals: Seek guidance from addiction specialists who can assist in planning the intervention. Houghton House has a qualified team of professionals who know first-hand how complex addiction and intervention can be. We are happy to help in figuring out what treatment plan is best for your loved one.
3. Develop a plan: This involves outlining specific examples of destructive behaviour that your loved one has been exhibiting. Each member of the team can describe incidents where the addiction has caused emotional or financial distress. While keeping it factual, each person can approach their description of hurt with care and an optimistic disposition, ensuring that your loved one is aware that the intervention is being held as those in their life believe they can change through treatment.
4. Set boundaries and consequences: This step will involve some assertiveness, as the next steps will be defined if your loved one refuses help. These consequences may include financial and/or emotional distance.
5. Rehearse the intervention: Rehearsing the intervention with all team members present will ensure clarity and emotional control. During this rehearsal, decisions on who will speak and when can be made to avoid any fumbling during the actual event.
6. Hold the meeting: Beforehand, ask your loved one to meet you at a specific location without giving any details as to why. Once the loved one is at the meeting place, team members can express their concerns and encourage immediate action. Ensure that any consequences detailed are those that you can commit to following through with.
7. Follow up: Once the intervention is complete, close family members and friends should commit to helping your loved one stay within the agreed-upon treatment programme. Family involvement often enhances treatment engagement and outcomes.

Discussions

Open and honest discussions are crucial in interventions. These conversations should be non-judgmental and supportive; focusing on concern rather than blame; and solution-oriented with clear next steps.

It is important to expect your loved one’s objections, as their defence mechanisms may kick in once the discussion begins. Remain calm and rational during the discussion as your loved one may not take responsibility right away. Stay away from confrontation by being honest and supportive, but don’t use the intervention as a reason to attack them. Stay on track during the discussion and ask for a decision right away—not doing so can allow your loved one to go into hiding or on a binge.

Interventions provide structure for loved ones to express concerns and encourage recovery. Houghton House professionals can facilitate further discussions at the centre to keep ongoing communication productive.

Family intervention

Addiction affects family dynamics and relationships and family interventions can address both the individual and the family’s role, allowing coherency within your loved one’s recovery.

Houghton provides a family support programme to assist families in navigating addiction-related challenges. The advantages of family involvement include enhanced communication, the establishment of healthy boundaries, and increased support for long-term recovery. Frequently, it is the family that helps an addict recognise their issue and take that crucial first step towards recovery.

Research has found that family involvement improves treatment outcomes and reduces relapse rates.

Contact us today

Interventions provide a structured way to help a loved one seek treatment and it’s important to remember that willingness is not a prerequisite for success. Family support and open discussions improve recovery outcomes and Houghton House can offer professional intervention support and various addiction treatment options.

Contact us today for more information on the treatment programmes we offer.