The Intervention Process

An intervention requires meticulous planning with professional guidance from an intervention specialist who will bring their experience and knowledge of best practices, as well as objectivity, to the process. Our role typically involves helping you decide on a time and place for this meeting, as well as preparing you for what to say and how to say it. The intervention should take place in a controlled environment, specifically selected to put the addicted person in a position in which they will be most receptive to listen.

In a structured intervention, specific elements must be present, the most essential of which is a group of two or more caring, concerned people who are willing to confront their loved one about their behavior in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. These people must be well-rehearsed in their role in the intervention, prepared for intense emotional moments during the session and willing to take the necessary risks to help someone they care about. A proper intervention is a carefully orchestrated and controlled event that leaves virtually nothing to chance.

Having decided who will participate in the intervention group, an intervention specialist will educate participating members in mental health, substance misuse and dual diagnosis. This foundational knowledge provides the background necessary for the intervention party to use to convince someone they need help. Thorough preparation is key to success.

Someone struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders might be blind to how their actions affect others, because of how addiction and mental health disorders fundamentally rewire the brain. Friends and family can help lead to an epiphany by describing, in their own words, how the person’s behaviors have harmed them or created problems in their lives. Before the intervention, participants should write out and practice what they plan to say so they can be confident about speaking up when the time comes.

The loved ones and the intervention specialist get together as a group to proceed with the intervention. The goal of this session is to compassionately confront the addicted or mentally unwell person with the facts of their illness and with the objective of helping them agree to seek professional treatment.