Performing therapeutic interventions for addiction is stressful. Having a family member or friend who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol isn’t easy, and confronting them about their problem may be even harder. Wanting your loved one to get help is perfectly okay, but letting the addict know that they need help can be easier said than done. Learning how to perform therapeutic interventions will help you by teaching you how to hire professional help, setting healthy boundaries, and coming from a loving place and not an angry one.

*Also read how to recognize the signs of addiction*

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How To Perform Therapeutic Interventions

• First, it’s best to sit down with all of those who will be attending the therapeutic interventions, minus the actual addict. Sitting down and planning everything that you would like to go over and accomplish would be very beneficial to staying on topic.
• Second, you have got to hire professional help; such as a therapist, counselor, or a professional interventionist. This will help you remain on topic and be the “mediator.”
• Third, sit down and write out a list of behaviors and actions of the addict that will no longer be tolerated. It’s best to make this list for the therapeutic interventions so you can stay on topic.
• Fourth, make arrangements for drug and/or alcohol abuse treatment. Let the struggling addict know that they’re actions will no longer be tolerated and give them an ultimatum. No matter what you decide your ultimatum or consequence to be, make sure treatment seems to be their best option. If treatment is not chosen, make sure to follow through with the consequences so they won’t turn out to be empty threats.
• Fifth, it’s time for the therapeutic interventions! Be sure to come from a loving place, hold your ground and stay on topic! You want your struggling loved one to feel secure and not victimized. Let it be known that you are all there for their well being. Begin reading out your letters and/or lists and start defining the problem. Avoid labeling them as an addict or alcoholic, because they still may be going through a lot of denial with their problem. Present their opportunity for treatment and good luck!

The Benefits of Treatment

Drug and/or alcohol treatment is terrifying to a struggling addict or alcoholic, as it is a major change for them. Drugs and alcohol has been there for them through good and bad times, and they’re about to give up their best friend. Once the drugs and alcohol stop working, they know no better way than to keep doing what they’re doing, increase the amounts, and maybe even resort to actions and behaviors they thought they would never do. Once an addict or alcoholic has agreed to treatment, they don’t know how much their life is about to change for the better. Patience, tolerance, and understanding are vital when dealing with a loved one who is in or about to go to treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug and/or alcohol abuse, call (866) 323-6590 now and get the help that is much needed for the sake of their life.