If someone in your life struggles with substance use disorder (SUD), it can be challenging to know what to do. You probably want to help, but knowing where to begin is hard. You may want your loved one to seek addiction treatment. But what if the addicted person refuses treatment?

If someone in your life has substance abuse issues but refuses to seek treatment, you may consider staging an intervention. This article will explore how to recognize when it is time to hold an intervention and how to plan one. You will learn:

• What an intervention is
• Signs that it is time to stage an intervention
• Steps you can take to stage a successful intervention
• Where to find addiction treatment programs and support

Reach out to the team at The Living Room to learn about our treatment center or to get help throughout the intervention process. Contact our intake specialists to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a carefully planned conversation. An intervention team consisting of an addicted person’s loved ones. The team explains to the addicted person how their addiction has affected each member. Then, they attempt to convince the addicted person to enter a rehab program right away. 

An intervention is most likely to be effective if you work with a trained interventionist. An interventionist is a professional who has experience leading interventions. You can find an interventionist by contacting The Living Room or by consulting with other local addiction recovery programs. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Stage an Intervention

Drug and alcohol abuse can change how a person looks, thinks, and behaves. However, it can be challenging for an addicted person’s loved ones to recognize the right time to stage an intervention. 

Here are five signs it is time to stage an intervention for an addicted loved one.

1. Their safety is at risk.

Alcohol and drug abuse can drastically change a person’s behaviors. People may stop participating in treatment for mental health issues, do risky things, or make decisions that harm them while abusing addictive substances. 

Look for signs that your loved one’s safety is at risk, including:

• New or worsening signs of mental illness, such as depression, delusions, or agitation
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Drinking or using drugs in inappropriate situations, like at work or while caring for children
• Using or drinking more than before
• Doing illegal things to get more drugs or alcohol

These and other behaviors can put your loved one’s safety at risk. They may be a sign that it is time to stage an intervention. 

2. They have health problems.

Substance abuse can have a disastrous effect on your loved one’s health. People may experience:

• Skin problems
• Infection
• Rapid weight changes
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Dental issues
• Malnutrition

People may also have injuries or long-term health issues related to their substance abuse. Health issues related to drug and alcohol abuse are a sign it’s time to stage an intervention.

3. They refuse to seek treatment.

People with substance use disorder (SUD) may not always recognize the need for treatment. Or, they may refuse to seek treatment for other reasons, including anxiety or fear of getting sober. However, if you recognize the harm your loved one’s addiction is causing, it may be the right time to stage an intervention. 

4. They are dishonest.

Substance abuse can change a person’s behaviors, values, and personality. If your loved one has become sneaky or dishonest, it can signal a severe substance abuse issue that requires immediate treatment. 

5. You are at your limit. 

If you feel overwhelmed, angry, hopeless, or worn down by your loved one’s addiction, it is time to stage an intervention. Feeling like you cannot provide more emotional, financial, or practical support means that your loved one requires more help than you can provide. Find support groups or a counselor to help you process your own feelings. Then, take steps to plan an intervention. 

How to Host an Intervention

Working with a trained interventionist is the best way to stage a successful intervention. Your interventionist can help you and your group feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. They will also help you find effective treatment plans, programs, and resources for your loved one.

There are several steps you must take to plan an intervention. They include:

• Deciding who will attend the intervention 
• Learning about addiction as a disease, enabling behaviors, and recovery resources
• Planning who will speak during the intervention and what people will share
• Choosing a safe place to hold the intervention
• Determining the group’s boundaries if the person refuses to go to rehab
• Holding the intervention
• Helping your loved one start treatment right away or enforcing boundaries if they refuse to go

An intervention can be an emotional event. However, having support before, during, and afterward can help people stage the most effective, supportive intervention possible. 

Get Help Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to find treatment, recovery support, and resources.