Interventions Services In
Panama City Beach, FL
If you have been watching a loved one self-destruct before your eyes because they are consumed by addiction, the thought of an intervention has probably crossed your mind. The decision to take on the intervention with a small group of family and friends is an important one, and a successful outcome requires careful, detailed planning. When executed properly, an intervention can change the addict’s life for the better and ultimately, lead to long-term sobriety. Alternately, a poorly conducted intervention can make the situation worse and result in the addict being even more resistance to treatment.
hiring a
professional interventionist
If conducting an intervention seems too overwhelming, you can always look into hiring a professional interventionist.
Bringing in an expert has the following advantages:
- They have an unbiased perspective on the procedure.
- They are trained in addiction and know how to respond accordingly to setbacks that may occur in the meeting.
- They are experts at de-escalating conflicts that arise.
- They can also provide recommendations and resources for you and your loved one before, during, and after the intervention.
If any of the following pertain to your loved one, hiring a professional interventionist is highly recommended:
- There is a history of severe mental illness
- They have been aggressive or have engaged in violent behavior
- They have exhibited suicidal behavior or recently talked about suicide
- Maybe taking several mood-altering substances
JourneyPure Emerald Coast wants to help you and your family as you go through this process. If you need our support planning an intervention in Panama City Beach or need us to refer you to a trusted interventionist, please contact us today.
TIPS FOR CONDUCTING AN INTERVENTION
If you do plan to conduct the intervention yourself, the Mayo Clinic offers several successful intervention tips:
Research and Create a Plan
A successful intervention requires a well-thought-out-plan, and you may want to consult a professional addiction counselor or social worker for help. Become knowledgeable regarding the severity of the loved one’s addiction and any accompanying mental health disorders. Share this information with the entire team. Research addiction treatment centers and if possible, initiate the enrollment process so that if the intervention is successful and the loved one agrees to go, the process is seamless.
Assemble the Team
Another key to a successful intervention is assembling the proper team, full of people that your loved one loves and respects.
Do not include the following in the intervention team:
- Anyone the loved one does not like
- Someone who could sabotage the process
- Anyone who would not be able to effectively communicate during the session and stick to the agreed-upon script
- Communicate Consequences
It’s important to clearly state the potential consequences of the intervention. Interventions without consequences that are clearly outlined have a higher likelihood of failure. Each team member must be ready to communicate the actions they will take if the loved one does not accept treatment and they must be willing to follow through.
Write a Script and Rehearse
The script should include specific incidents of hurt or betrayal caused by the loved one’s addiction. These could be emotional or financial hurtful.
Other Helpful Intervention Tips:
- Plan it. Interventions should never be spontaneous
- Time it. Plan the intervention at a time when the loved one is least likely to be using abusing substances, is stressed or preoccupied.
- Assign a lead organizer. This person will communicate the plan and any updates to everyone on the intervention team.
- Follow your script. All members of the intervention team will have their thoughts planned out ahead of time. A script will help to keep the team calm, focused, and less likely to engage in emotional outbursts. Remember to rehearse!
- Anticipate objections. Be ready for excuses, denials, objections – anything that may come from the loved one by preparing responses that are supportive and helpful.
- Avoid confrontation. Be honest, but don’t speak in anger and attack the loved one. Avoid name-calling and angry or accusing statements.
- Stay on track. Veering from the plan can quickly derail an intervention, prevent a helpful outcome for your loved one and worsen family tensions. Be prepared to remain calm in the face of your loved one’s accusations, hurt or anger, which is often meant to deflect or derail the conversation.
- Ask for an immediate decision. Don’t allow the loved one any time to think over the offer. Any time lapse could send them into hiding or on a dangerous binge. Be prepared to get your loved one into treatment immediately if he or she agrees to the plan. If they do not agree to go to treatment, be prepared to follow through on your list of consequences.
