Basics of Interventions

Now that you’re more familiar with how to support someone with an addiction, let’s look at planning and carrying out an intervention. An intervention gives family and friends an opportunity to express their concerns, explain how the addiction has affected them, and encourage their loved one to seek treatment. Because interventions can be emotional and complex, they should always be carefully planned.

What is an intervention?

An intervention is a structured, carefully planned conversation in which family members, friends, and sometimes professionals come together to discuss the impact of a loved one’s addiction and encourage them to accept immediate treatment. 

Learn intervention basics and some helpful tips to get started below. 

Intervention Steps

Step 1: Make a Plan

Interventions are often more effective with the guidance of a qualified professional, such as a:

  • Counselor
  • Addiction counselor or substance use counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Professional interventionist
Step 2: Gather Information

Learn as much as you can about:

  • The severity of your loved one's substance use
  • Factors that may be contributing to the addiction
  • Available treatment options
  • Local treatment programs and recovery resources
Step 3: Form an Intervention Team

Choose the people who will participate in the intervention. Set a date and location, and work together to develop a consistent message and plan.

If you decide to keep the intervention a surprise, avoid discussing it with your loved one beforehand.

Step 4: Consider Possible Outcomes

Be prepared to explain the available treatment options. If your loved one agrees to treatment, the goal is to begin as soon as possible, preferably immediately.

Also discuss how the group will respond if treatment is refused, including any boundaries each person plans to maintain.

Step 5: Prepare What You'll Say

Each team member should describe specific situations where the addiction affected them. Focus on facts, explain how the situation made you feel, and avoid blame or judgment.

Example: "I felt hurt when you asked for grocery money, and I later learned it was used to buy alcohol."

Step 6: Hold the Intervention

Meet with your loved one and take turns expressing your concerns and support. Present the treatment options you've prepared and encourage them to accept help. If treatment is refused, calmly explain the boundaries or consequences that were discussed during planning.

Step 7: Provide Ongoing Support

Recovery is an ongoing process, and continued support can help reduce the risk of relapse. You can help by:

  • Encouraging healthy routines and avoiding triggers
  • Providing transportation to treatment or support meetings
  • Participating in family counseling when appropriate
  • Knowing how to respond if a relapse occurs
  • Seeking support for yourself through counseling or support groups
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