When is it Time for an Intervention?

Jul 15

Watching a loved-one self-destruct and feeling helpless to stop them can feel devastating, particularly when that person is in complete denial about their unhealthy life patterns. While you may feel hopeless, there is something you can do to try and help your loved one get the help they need to change their life.

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a carefully and thoughtfully planned meeting where friends, loved ones, and sometimes colleagues or other community members who care about the person struggling with addiction, come together to confront the person and ask them to accept treatment.

Interventions are led by professional interventionists, who specially trained mental health professionals. An interventionist provides guidance to loved ones and facilitates open communication among the group.

When is it Time for an Intervention?

It’s not easy to recognize when it’s time to confront your loved one. And planning an intervention can feel stressful. What if your loved one gets angry and refuses to participate? What if they retaliate by upping their bad behavior?

While there is no set rule on the best time to have an intervention, usually those closest to the person struggling with addiction simply know it is time. This knowing could be because of a recent DUI. It may be because their loved one is close to losing their job, their spouse and kids, their home. It may be because their health is rapidly deteriorating.

In my experience, the best time to plan an intervention is the sooner rather than later. Often, waiting until your loved one hits rock bottom to voice your concerns can be too late.

If you and your family believe you would like to hold an intervention for a loved one and need some guidance and support, please reach out to us.