What is an Intervention, and How Successful Are They?

Understanding the Basics: Intervention Definition

When a person has a substance use disorder, it can affect more than just their well-being. As the addiction grows stronger, family, friends, and co-workers start to experience the repercussions of the illness. For this reason, interventions are usually staged by those who care most for the person. 

An intervention is a planned gathering of the people most affected by the person’s drug and alcohol use, who are there to speak frankly to the individual about the effects their addiction has had on them and to ask them to accept treatment in a rehabilitation facility. They provide specific examples, offer a clear treatment plan, and give firm boundaries regarding what will happen if the person refuses treatment.

If you have found yourself looking up questions like, “What is an intervention?” or researching the best way to hold an intervention for your loved one, we can help you.

 

The Purpose and Goals of an Intervention

A successful intervention aims to make it clear to the person with the substance use disorder that their actions are not going unnoticed and that they are causing pain and distress to those around them by continuing down this destructive path. 

When presented with multiple points of view and clear, specific examples within a supportive atmosphere, they will be more likely to accept treatment.

Different Types of Interventions

There are several different types of interventions, such as:

• Classic interventions are formal, planned gatherings with a small group of caring friends and family who come together to address the person’s struggle with addiction by sharing their personal experiences and helping the individual to see how their actions are affecting others.
• Simple interventions, in which a single person confronts the individual. This role is taken on by a close friend or family member who expresses their concerns and helps them create a recovery plan one-on-one.
• Crisis Interventions are sometimes needed when the person has displayed dangerous or life-threatening actions. Those present at the time will confront them and try to get them to immediately commit to a treatment program for their safety and the safety of those around them.
• Motivational interviewing, in which a facilitator will help the individual set goals for behavioral changes, motivating them and empowering them to make changes through a reward system.
• Family systems or systemic interventions include the entire family in a discussion that includes topics like codependence, enablement, addiction, and future goals. This type of intervention treats the entire family, not just the person with the addiction. ARISE and CRAFT are two additional methods that involve the family without secrecy, ambushes, or confrontation. The goal is for family and community support, with training to help the whole family better understand addiction.

The Intervention Process: Step by Step

Some steps to take when planning an intervention include:

1. Learning about substance abuse, addiction, and treatment options in your area 
2. Choosing who should be present during the intervention
3. Formulating your plan with the help of a professional interventionist
4. Writing personal impact statements that are not accusatory but rather demonstrate the specific behaviors, situations, and incidents that occurred and how they made you feel
5. Deciding what will happen if the individual refuses treatment, and prepare to stick to your decision
6. Rehearsing the intervention together before the time arrives to help keep emotions from taking over and to help everybody stay on track with their impact statements so you present a consistent, united front
7. Holding the intervention, with each person taking their turn to let the individual know their thoughts, feelings, and what actions they will take if the person does not accept treatment
8. Following through with what you say in the intervention. If the loved one accepts treatment, get the process started right away. If they do not, then they will need to accept the consequences of their actions.

Key Elements of a Successful Intervention

Emotions can run high during an intervention and can cause serious feelings of resentment, anger, and betrayal. Some key elements that will improve the chances of your intervention being successful include:

• Hold it in a neutral location, at a time when the individual will not be under the influence of any substance
• Plan the intervention well with at least one rehearsal, with the help of a professional if possible
• Share information so everybody is on the same page when it is time for the intervention and there are no surprises within the group
• Keep it simple, with short, truthful “I” statements, like “I worry that…” or “When you … I feel…”
• Understand all you can about the substances the person is using, addiction, and what recovery may be like
• Be ready for an angry or negative reaction, with calm and supportive responses ready. This includes what you may say if they refuse treatment 
• Only give ultimatums if you are 100% ready and willing to back them up when the time comes
• Ask for an immediate decision. Do not give them time to think it over. The sooner they start treatment, the safer they will be

Measuring Success: How Effective Are Interventions?

People with substance use disorders are much more likely to agree to treatment after an intervention than not. The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology has listed the number as high as 75%, but this number cannot tell us the overall effectiveness of an intervention. 

Those who go to rehab for others may not be motivated to complete their treatment plan once they arrive at the facility, which may result in a relapse. While an intervention may get them through the door, true change must occur within the individual, and this can only happen if all aspects of their addiction are addressed in a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses health, behavioral, psychological, emotional, and social issues. 

Preparing for an Intervention: Tips and Strategies

Some more tips for a successful intervention include:

• Write out what you want to say if you worry your emotions may take over
• Stay calm and nonjudgmental, and plan what to say if your loved one reacts poorly to being confronted
• Research addiction and what it can do to a person’s mind, body, and actions
• Invite trusted participants who know the person well, and who have been personally affected by their actions
• Emphasize to everybody that it is important to stick to the plan as rehearsed, to prevent confusion
• Keep the atmosphere caring, compassionate, and supportive, without accusations or blame

The Role of Professional Interventionists

Professional interventionists are not only helpful in the planning stage of the intervention but also in the execution. The intervention definition provided by the Mayo Clinic website mentions that an interventionist or licensed counselor should be involved in the process because it is a highly charged, emotional situation. 

Interventions can be unpredictable, especially if the individual has a mental health disorder or has been taking mind- or mood-altering drugs. The interventionist can act as a neutral third party there to keep things on track and running to plan. They will guide all participants through what to say and what to expect, with help crafting genuine, helpful, and calm responses to all scenarios. The interventionist may also be able to arrange for immediate treatment if the individual agrees to go.

Challenges and Considerations in Conducting Interventions

Some of the challenges that a professional interventionist can help you work through may include:

• What to do if your loved one shows up under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• What to do if they refuse treatment or are too upset to continue with the intervention and try to leave
• What to do if somebody in your group goes “off script” and causes confusion

Interventions can be unpredictable events, and the best way to prepare for the “what ifs” is to research as much as possible yourself and rehearse all possible scenarios. While you hope for the best-case scenario, you should also think about what you will do if they get angry, push your boundaries, or refuse treatment.

WhiteSands Treatment’s Approach to Interventions and Recovery

At WhiteSands, we are ready to help your loved one to overcome their substance use disorder now. Our customized, comprehensive treatment plans include options for inpatient detox and rehab with luxury accommodation options that include 24-hour health care, a variety of evidence-based treatments, and high-end amenities, and we also offer a variety of tailored outpatient and aftercare treatment options.

Please call us today for more information about our facility, treatment plans, and how we can help. We are standing by now and are ready to help you get started. (877) 855-3470.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.