An intervention is a very emotionally charged time. If you and your family are considering an intervention for your loved one, it is critical to work with a professional first to understand the purpose, goals, and risks behind an intervention.
An intervention is a conversation meant to discuss the effects of addiction and mental health disorders and their impact on the family and those living with them. It is a planned meeting designed to explore awareness, encouragement, and support for change and healing by acknowledging the damage that their substance use and dependence have brought.
However, the purpose of an intervention is not to give family members time to air grievances, share blame, or make accusations. While feelings of anger, resentment, frustration, and more are common among family members of those living with addiction, an intervention is not an excuse to let out this anger. Rather, interventions hosted alongside a dedicated addiction and mental health professional are an opportunity to discuss challenges, provide support, and encourage those living with addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination thereof to explore the need for treatment and make their own decision to pursue change.
At Thrive Treatment℠ we accept most private insurance plans and we are in network with Cigna, Optum, First Health, and Anthem Blue Cross. Additional payment options are available so don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can get you the help that you need.
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Deciding to pursue a substance abuse intervention for a loved one or family member is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. Working with professionals to discuss interventions before creating a plan is necessary to ensure their effectiveness. However, while they can come with risks, interventions are sometimes necessary.
Seeking substance abuse interventions can be the result of past failed attempts to encourage change in a loved one. Attempts to discuss substance abuse or a loved one’s behavior that have either been ignored or met without substantial change can inform attempting new approaches. Interventions may also be necessary if a loved one’s use of drugs or alcohol has become uncontrolled, especially if they still believe or say they are in control or may think they are successfully hiding their substance dependence despite regular consequences.
However, interventions come with risks and should not be the first option explored to support a loved one. Talking with a professional at Thrive Treatment to explore other options before deciding to commit to an intervention can provide the best approach to supporting a loved one’s sober change.
Interventions are highly emotionally charged, and while they can be successful and birth new levels of honesty, understanding, and change, they can also have some drawbacks if not handled with care. It is common for those receiving an intervention to become defensive or lie to escape such a difficult confrontation, with feelings of betrayal and anger being common. These interventions can also further strain already strained relationships, potentially breaking down trust with loved ones and family members.
Likewise, handling interventions without proper planning can lead to miscommunication, causing these efforts to devolve into blame and accusations and making those living with addiction further resistant to potential treatment. A failed intervention can also compromise one’s ability to provide effective support in the future if a person feels betrayed more than supported during this time.
Interventions also demand effort from all people, including the family members and loved ones hosting an intervention. Expecting change from a loved one without making changes oneself can decrease the impact that these interventions have, especially if consequences are not upheld.
It can be difficult to determine when an intervention is necessary, either for addressing the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health disorders. Recognizing the signs of problematic and addictive behaviors and physical and mental health changes can inform when an intervention may be necessary. Some of these signs include:
There can also be physical signs that an intervention may be necessary. Skipping meals can lead to rapid changes in weight, with compromised hygiene routines further affecting a person’s physical health and appearance. Decreases in other areas of health, such as frequent illness, fatigue, exhaustion, aches, and more, can also be signs that a loved one may benefit from an intervention.
Mental health signs can also be common. Expressions of anxiety, paranoia, anger, and mood swings can all make it difficult to address the needs of a loved one. Depression and self-isolation can also make it difficult to support a loved one, potentially necessitating the help of mental health professionals to provide effective care.
Deciding to host an intervention for a loved one is a big decision, and it is crucial to make the most of this time for the most comprehensive approach to change and support. Thrive Treatment can help you and your family approach the situation with dedicated, educated care while supporting effective change and mitigating risks.
First, families should locate an interventionist they trust. Thrive Treatment is always available to discuss your unique situation and needs, especially when planning something as important as an intervention, to help you understand the goals and create the atmosphere and approach necessary for a successful intervention.
Next, knowing who will be a part of the intervention is crucial. While addiction is a disease that affects entire families and communities, not all people will necessarily be constructive and supportive members of an intervention. Limiting the number of people present can also provide each person with more time to discuss their perspective and provide support without overwhelming a loved one with too many people at once. Having only a few important family members and loved ones can provide the most intimate and supportive approach to an intervention.
Interventions are difficult, and emotions will be running high for everyone involved. Working beforehand to write down and rehearse what you want to say is important for staying on message and being heard in the most supportive and effective way possible. Practicing your words can also help you edit and adjust how you approach this delicate subject to avoid miscommunications and accusatory or unhelpful language and approach the situation with support and forethought. Working with a professional mental health professional can also help you eliminate unintentionally destructive language and find the right voice for the situation.
A loved one living with addiction or mental health disorders is a difficult situation, and many family members and loved ones may want to jump in and address the situation as soon as possible. However, it is crucial to deliberately choose the right time and place rather than jump at the first opportunity available. Choosing a time when everyone important will be present and when these interventions won’t disrupted by other factors. Scheduling around other meetings or responsibilities can empower families and those living with addiction or mental health disorders to the time needed to explore the effects of these situations and potential treatment options.
Likewise, choosing a safe and neutral space with as little noise pollution as possible is also paramount. Hosting an intervention in a place where a loved one receiving an intervention feels comfortable can help mitigate at least some of the stress and difficulties around such a profound event.
The goal of an intervention is not to force a loved one into a treatment program. Rather, it is about exploring the effects of addiction and mental health disorders to empower a loved one to decide that they do need treatment and to make a personal commitment to change of their own decision. Approaching an intervention with this kind of support in mind can help manage the atmosphere and tone of these conversations, ensuring that each time someone speaks, it is with a message that aligns with this important goal. Professional interventionists and mental health professionals are instrumental in maintaining this healthy and supportive atmosphere during such a tense time.
Interventions are difficult for all involved, and navigating this time while maintaining a fair and supportive atmosphere can be exceptionally challenging. Professionally led interventions are often necessary to ensure that interventions maintain their supportive and sympathetic nature, focusing on help, education, and understanding over blame, anger, or negativity. Working with a professional interventionist from Thrive Treatment can help you and your family make the most of these important, delicate operations.
Professionally led interventions can also help to structure the next steps following an intervention. Having access to a professional who can outline the detox and residential treatment process, help transition to professional care and more can all help prevent relapse while committing to a transformed life.
Interventions may focus on a single loved one, but they are designed for entire families. Professionally led interventions also consider how families approach these situations and provide education and support to all members to engage in effective healing. For some, this means exploring what the disease of addiction is and its effects, as well as further educating loved ones on the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental health disorders.
This education can also help families commit to family therapy programs to continue developing communication strategies and understanding together at Thrive Treatment. Committing to family support throughout interventions helps create a comprehensive approach to change both for those overcoming addiction and family members beginning their roles as supports and engaging in their own healing.
Interventions may focus on a single loved one, but they are designed for entire families. Professionally led interventions also consider how families approach these situations and provide education and support to all members to engage in effective healing. For some, this means exploring what the disease of addiction is and its effects, as well as further educating loved ones on the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental health disorders.
This education can also help families commit to family therapy programs to continue developing communication strategies and understanding together at Thrive Treatment. Committing to family support throughout interventions helps create a comprehensive approach to change both for those overcoming addiction and family members beginning their roles as supports and engaging in their own healing.
It can be easy to give in to the intense emotional atmosphere of an intervention, with deeply harbored frustrations or resentments occasionally making their way to the surface. However, these can do little to align with the supportive goal of an intervention. A professionally led intervention can empower families to focus on compassion and safety during these times while ensuring a fair and honest approach to the difficult conversations ahead.
Interventions are not lectures, and those living with addiction or mental health disorders will need time to speak and be heard. Professional interventionists can help families maintain a supportive dialogue and tone throughout the intervention that promotes honesty, fairness, openness, and support above all else to take the next step forward.
An effective intervention also addresses the unique challenges that your loved ones face, with varying treatment options for mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and personalized options all being a consideration when exploring the most effective treatment programs. Working with a professional at Thrive Treatment can help you explore how we can personalize a treatment program for your loved one when they are deciding to commit to a healthier future and change.
We at Thrive Treatment take a personalized approach to every treatment program, focusing on the unique challenges, experiences, and goals of you and your loved one in treatment. Thrive Treatment blends proven therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) with several other evidence-based approaches. Individual and group therapy sessions also empower you and your loved ones to explore new relationships and a community of peers, helping to deconstruct stigmas and barriers to treatment and focus on achieving personal goals in recovery.
Each of these programs is further supported with experiential, holistic healing options, from art and film therapy to regular experiential opportunities. Thrive Treatment is also committed to the entire continuum of care, offering programs from your first step into detox through residential healing options, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient support. We also work closely with The Last House, a sober transitional living community, to ensure that you have support and care at every stage of treatment while helping you move through each of these milestones at your own pace.
Interventions are challenging for family members and those receiving an intervention. However, at every stage, from planning to hosting an intervention alongside trained professionals, there are some tips to keep in mind. This includes:
Addiction recovery and healing from mental health disorders is not something that takes place in a single evening. Rather, it is a long journey. Encouraging a loved one to commit to change also means committing oneself to learning to be the best support possible. Family therapy programs, personal changes, and even personal therapy to navigate feelings of resentment or traumatic experiences are all part of this healing journey for families and loved ones alike. Addiction is a disease that affects everybody differently. Exploring healing options for all family members and committing oneself to further education and support is necessary for a truly effective recovery journey.
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