Watching your loved one struggle with substance abuse or mental health problems is one of the worst feelings in the world. The situation becomes more challenging when the person does not even acknowledge the problem in the first place. This is when you and other concerned people need to step up and convince your loved one to get recovery support. The best way to do it is by staging an intervention. However, you need to avoid some common mistakes while hosting such a crucial program.

1. Not Having a Plan

An intervention needs to be planned carefully. A lot of people start an intervention program out of fear, anxiety, anger, or other emotions, which results in a disorganized, ineffective intervention. Addiction is a sensitive matter. If you are not fully prepared, the intervention can go south very fast. If you are planning to hire an intervention service, go through their intervention guide to understand how to proceed with the thing. Take the necessary time to plan and prepare for the intervention. Educating and preparing everyone involved in the intervention increases your chances of success.

2. Letting the Emotions Control Everything

As mentioned, interventions can be emotionally demanding. If you let your emotions take control of the situation, you may not get the results you want from the intervention. If you feel sad, anxious, angry, or other emotions during the intervention, take your time to calm your nerves. The goal of the intervention is to show love and support - not fear and anger. When you begin the intervention in a calm and composed environment, you have a better chance of communicating your message to your loved one and helping them accept the treatment.

3. Getting the Timing Wrong

The timing of the intervention plays a crucial role in its success. However, a lot of people fail to recognize the right time for an intervention. You should avoid staging an intervention when

• The loved one is at school or work

• The loved one is going through a major change in life, such as job loss, death in the family, and relationship breakup

• They are under the influence of any substance (drugs and alcohol)

Select the time and location of the intervention carefully. Ensure your loved one is sober and free from distractions while attending the intervention.

4. Shaming and Blaming

People usually have some personal feelings about a loved one when they learn that the individual is struggling with substance abuse. This is because people with substance use disorders may do or say something that hurts the people around them. During the intervention, when you or other people express concerns, it is important to refrain from shaming or blaming the loved one struggling with addiction. You should not use harsh language or raise your tone. It is time to stick to facts and express your feelings calmly and composedly. Show your love and concern for the person, not your disappointment.

5. Not Talking about the Treatment Options

The purpose of an intervention is to convince a loved one to get proper treatment so that they can overcome their addiction problem. If your intervention program does not talk about any immediate treatment options, all your efforts become pointless. Always do your homework about the addiction treatment facilities in your area while preparing an intervention for your loved one. Find a reliable rehab facility that can accept your loved one almost immediately. Based on the treatment plan, you can effectively plan your intervention.

6. Operating without Professional Guidance

No matter how concerned you are about your loved one’s recovery from addiction, planning an intervention without professional guidance is a major mistake. Having a trained intervention expert on your side can help you and everyone on the team at every stage of an intervention. You can easily avoid all the aforementioned mistakes when you have an expert in your team. They can offer the much-needed support before, during, and after the intervention. With professional help, you have a higher chance of success.

Conclusion

Intervention is essential for people who are struggling with addiction or mental health problems but aren’t seeking help voluntarily. If you know someone who needs rehabilitation, an intervention is the most effective way to convince them to get proper treatment. Remember to avoid these mistakes if you want the intervention to succeed.