How to do an Intervention for a Mother's Alcoholism
Confronting an alcoholic about his problem is never an easy task. An intervention is when a group of people do just that, and try to make an impact on the drinker's future by sharing their thoughts and feelings. It's an emotional time, and it's almost never easy---especially when the alcoholic is your mom.
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Things You'll Need
- Professional intervention assistance
- List of resources on drug/alcohol centers
- A safe place to hold intervention
Instructions
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How to stage an intervention
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Put together a group of folks that are closest with your mother. Five or six family members and friends that truly care and are concerned is a good number; too many can be overwhelming for everyone and the intervention can backfire.
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If you feel comfortable using a professional's assistance, there are intervention specialists that come to the home and assist and give tips. This assistance can include the aftermath of the intervention (finding a rehab facility, for instance), or guiding the intervention if it steers into territory that may make folks feel uncomfortable.
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Have attendees make a list, essay, or letter describing how your mother's alcoholism affects them. Talk about the ugly times, the hopes for the future, and anything else that seems relevant to the intervention.
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Schedule a time and place where your mother can come, and feel most comfortable. Many folks try to find a time in the morning when the subject of the intervention is sober, which can help in making a lasting impression.
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The goal of an intervention is to seek outside help. Be prepared with information on local resources for alcoholics including in/out patient services, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and other support for your mother.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact local rehabs to see if there are empty beds, and what the process for a new patient would be. This allows you to be ready to act if your mother readily agrees to go to a facility.
Interventions don't always work. Sometimes the alcoholic isn't ready for change and isn't interested in listening to what anyone has to say.
