Encouraging your loved one to seek help for his substance abuse problem does not need to be a bad experience. Some tips can keep your drug intervention in Michigan as positive as possible, and increase the chance of a good outcome.
For help setting up a substance abuse intervention in Michigan, please dial 800-281-9728 to speak with one of our experienced addiction counselors. We’re available 24 hours a day to help in any way we can.
First, have a small group of participants. Larger groups can make the situation chaotic, as well as cause your loved one to become defensive or fearful.
Second, exercise good judgment when choosing the people to participate in the intervention. If a person is likely to cause a scene, attempt to take over, or not go along with the intervention plans, he should not be included. It is better to select a few people who are fully aware of your loved one’s drug addiction, but can remain calm and rational.
Third, have a plan for all possible outcomes before you stage the intervention. As most drug abuse interventions are successful, find a good treatment facility for him and plan to get him there.
However, not every addiction intervention works. You need to be prepared for this possibility, too. If he simply refuses to go to treatment, you must be ready to give him an ultimatum, and to follow through with it. While the consequences of refusing treatment must be reasonable, they should be in his best interests as well as your own.
In some instances, interventions can result in an addict trying to harm himself or someone else. Even if you believe this cannot happen, you should be prepared for the possibility. It is better to prepare for the worst than to risk a tragedy.
Fourth, keeping the tone of the meeting as positive as possible can help your loved one become more inclined to listen and cooperate. Even if he has done a considerable amount of harm to himself or others, reminding him of everything he has done wrong is not a useful approach. It is generally more beneficial to provide him with information about what he can gain from a treatment program. Presenting treatment in a positive light can have good results.
Fifth, considering hiring an interventionist. Intervention specialists can help you plan and prepare for the intervention, actively participate, and be present at the end. Whatever the outcome of the intervention, the presence and support of an interventionist can make it easier for everyone.
In addition, an interventionist will have information about treatment centers. Whether you know nothing about drug abuse treatment, need help finding a certain type of facility, or have any number of questions, an intervention specialist will have the answers. If you ask, he can recommend a facility that is appropriate for your loved one’s situation.
Sixth, make sure to discuss the intervention with everyone in advance. Although your loved one should not know about the intervention before it actually takes place, the participants should have the chance to ask questions, make suggestions, and rehearse their parts.
Set a time, date, and location that is agreeable to the participants, and make sure you can get your loved one to show up on time. If you are not sure of where to hold the intervention, this is also something to discuss in advance.
If you do not know whether an intervention is the best approach, you can discuss it with an interventionist and ask his opinion. While previous acts of violence or self-harm can make it unwise, these gatherings are generally safe for most addicts. Careful planning can reduce the risk of difficulties. A drug intervention in can be the first step toward relieving the burden of drug addiction for both your loved one and the people in his life.
