How to Perform an Intervention

An intervention involves confronting a loved one who is suffering from an addiction. The point of an intervention is to help an addict face the consequences of his actions. The addict may resist at first, but an intervention is relentless and usually results in the addict agreeing to get help for their addiction. If you are concerned about someone's addiction, follow these steps to learn how to have an intervention.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Meet with friends and family members to discuss the addict and the ways in which his behavior is affecting everybody. Take notes so you have plenty of information to relay to the intervention counselor.
2. Consult with an intervention professional. The counselor can help you prepare for how the addict will react and help you prepare what to say so you don't make the addict feel victimized.
3. Prepare for the intervention by writing a list of activities that you will no longer tolerate the addict doing. Explain the consequences that he will face if he continues to engage in these actions; the consequences should be drastic enough to make him realize the seriousness of his actions.
4. Find a good treatment facility for the addict. You will want him to go to treatment directly following the intervention so he doesn't have time to change his mind.
5. Host the intervention somewhere that you can be sure he will show up. You can invite the addict over to a relative's house for a get together or have his boss tell him there is a meeting he has to attend at a specified time, make sure you make it believable so he doesn't get suspicious.
6. Keep the addict there. Do whatever it takes to keep him there to listen to what you have to say; an intervention won't help if he doesn't listen.
7. End the intervention by thanking him for listening and agreeing to get help for his addiction. Tell him you love him and care about his well being then immediately take him to the treatment facility you have chosen for him.