A drug intervention takes significant planning and organization, and anyone who has never been involved with an intervention may not know where to start. It’s also a very delicate thing, with any number of elements that can go wrong. That’s why it’s best to work with an intervention specialist or interventionist who can help you plan your event, coach you on what to say, and provide you with the materials you need to educate your loved one about treatment options.
What does an interventionist do?
Close family members and friends of an addict often have raw feelings about the issue. The mere act of discussing how the addiction has hurt them can be extremely difficult, and talking about it to an addict’s face can be overwhelming. That’s why you need someone who is not emotionally involved in the situation to take the reins at the event. When things get off course or overly emotional, the intervention specialist is there to keep the event moving forward.
But even before the event takes place, your intervention specialist will be closely involved with all the planning and preparation. Your specialist will advise you on when to hold the event, how to approach your conversation with the addict, and how to deal with any difficulties that arise. All in all, he or she will be the guiding hand ensuring that everything goes well.
How to find an intervention specialist
Drug interventionists are available from multiple resources. As you begin to prepare for your intervention, you’ll be doing research into the treatment options in your area. Call around to treatment facilities and find out if they have staff with expertise in interventions. Meanwhile, support groups often have organizers who double as intervention specialists either as volunteers or for a fee. It can’t hurt to call and ask.
