Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse or addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening problems. Living with substance use disorder (SUD) affects the people with the condition. It also impacts the people around them.
If you love someone with addiction, you may understand the challenges and anxieties that go along with this condition. Friends and family members often want to help an addicted loved one get help–but how?
Staging an intervention is one of the most effective things people can do to convince a loved one to go to rehab. An intervention is a planned conversation with the goal of getting an addicted person to begin treatment immediately.
Planning an intervention requires several critical steps. One of the most important is deciding what to say during the intervention.
This article will explore how to decide what to say at an intervention. You will learn:
- The purpose of an intervention
- Steps you can take to plan an intervention
- What to say during an intervention
- Where to find effective treatment and support
If you or someone you love lives with addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.
What is an Intervention?
Having a relationship with a loved one struggling with addiction can be challenging. Alcohol or drug abuse can change a person’s behaviors, emotions, and other aspects of who they are. Substance abuse can profoundly impact relationships and cause significant strain.
Friends and family members of addicted people may decide to plan an intervention. An intervention is a planned conversation between an addicted person and their loved ones.
During an intervention, loved ones share how the person’s addiction has impacted their lives. Then, they present a united front to ask the addicted person to start a treatment program immediately.
Holding an intervention requires careful preparation, planning, and practice. Research shows that successful interventions can be a great first in getting someone the help they need.
Staging an Intervention: Planning and Preparation
Staging a successful intervention requires some planning and prep. Here is a quick overview of the stages of staging an intervention.
- Gather your intervention team. This typically includes family members and close friends.
- Learn about addiction and recovery. Understanding addiction as a disease and knowing about available treatment options is essential. The more you know about addiction, the better support and understanding you can give your loved one.
- Plan when and where you will hold the intervention. Choose a time when your loved one is least likely to be using drugs or drinking. Select a location that provides enough space for everyone to be comfortable and have adequate privacy.
- Decide who will speak and in what order. If you are working with a professional interventionist, they will help you determine what is likely to be most effective.
- Write an impact statement. Practice reading it aloud before holding the intervention.
- Decide your boundaries. Your group can decide what boundaries you’ll all hold if your loved one decides not to seek treatment.
- Follow through. After holding the intervention, hold firm on your boundaries.
Working with a professional interventionist can help you and your group at each stage of the intervention process. The interventionist will provide valuable support before, during, and after the intervention.
What to Say During an Intervention
Interventions can be emotionally charged events. It is important to remain calm and stay on track throughout the process. Carefully planning your impact statement and knowing what to say during an intervention can help you feel more confident.
Here are five things you may consider saying during an intervention.
“I forgive you.”
Many people struggling with addiction have feelings of shame and guilt. They may regret the past or feel isolated from others. Telling your loved one you forgive them for their actions can be powerful.
“I’m concerned about you.”
An intervention is the ideal time to express your concern over your loved one’s substance use. You can share how their substance abuse has impacted the relationship and the harmful effects you’ve seen.
“I’m here for you.”
Telling your loved one that you will be there for them is powerful. By saying you will be there for them, you commit to staying by their side as they navigate recovery. It is a powerful reassurance that they will not be alone when things are challenging.
“Addiction treatment works.”
It can be helpful to say that you believe that treatment is an effective first step toward lifelong recovery. You can provide concrete information about available treatment programs and share your belief that rehab works.
“I love you.”
“I love you” is one of the most powerful things you can say during an intervention. Telling your loved one that you love and care about them can help set the tone for your intervention. Repeat this often throughout the intervention process.
Find Help Now
If you need support while planning an intervention or want to explore addiction treatment plans, reach out to the team at The Living Room. Contact us to speak with an addiction specialist. You can also find support at any stage of recovery or schedule an appointment.