What is Intervention?

Quick Answer: An intervention is a prearranged session where a set of family members, friends, and/or professionals sit down with a person engaging in damaging behavior, typically substance abuse or addiction, and offer him or her the offer of assistance. A structured intervention is generally conducted by a trained professional and is a program that targets support, clear limits and actionable steps.

When you’re not sure what an intervention is, it’s a well-planned conversation that is meant to help a person realize that they have a serious problem and may need professional help. In substance abuse and addiction, the intervention typically involves family members, friends, and a trained intervention person working together in a compassionate, clear, and helpful way to confront harmful behaviors and set up a plan for what to do next.

An intervention is far from a confrontation. It involves a structured approach to assist a person who may have a problem with alcohol, substance abuse, or other addictive substances to recognize the impact of the addiction on their life and those around them. If managed well, an intervention can provide a chance for a change without harming anyone.

Key Takeaways

• An intervention is a planned meeting that is meant to convince an individual that they need help.
• The most typical addiction intervention participants include family members, close friends and an interventionist.
• If you are on the same team, it’s crucial to prepare, as these discussions can be challenging.
• Any successful intervention should comprise of a realistic plan concerning professional addiction care.
• While an intervention will not make someone seek treatment, it can make it an easier opportunity.
• It can be done more orderly and safely with professional guidance.
• Recovering family members can also be supported, educated and advised while recovering.

What is an Intervention?

What then is an intervention in the context of addiction? An intervention is a planned meeting in which people who care about an individual who is struggling with substance use share their concerns with that person about the impact of the behavior and offer the support necessary to obtain the person’s consent to receive assistance.

An addiction intervention is not an ad hoc argument; it is planned. People typically come to prep what they want to say and determine the meeting’s purpose.

The intent is NOT to shame, blame or punish. The aim is to convey empathy and make a clear route more accessible to seek help.

Mayo Clinic says an intervention can give an individual with an addiction a set opportunity to make a change and embrace assistance.

Substance abuse that has an impact on relationships, work, money, health, safety and daily functioning may warrant an intervention.

How Does an Intervention Work?

It is important to know what an intervention is as well as how it works.

Identifying the concern: Family or friends notice a pattern that is concerning regarding substance use.

• Establishing a team: A team of trusted individuals is formed.
• Information collection: The team finds out about addiction and recovery services.
• Planning the Meeting: The group determines what they wish to say and sets limits.
• Treatment options: A realistic plan for professional help is made in advance of the meeting, when possible.
• Holding the intervention: Participants share specific concerns calmly and politely ask the person for the intervention.
• Support for the next phase of recovery: The family follows through.

Guidance from professionals can be particularly helpful if there has been a history of severe substance use, violence, suicidal actions, or mental health issues.

What Are the Different Types of Interventions?

No one solution fits all families. The type of intervention will vary based on the person’s circumstances, drug or alcohol use, relationship issues, safety concerns, and desire to seek assistance.

Common approaches include:

• Family intervention: A family intervention is when family members gather and discuss the consequences of addiction and seek out the assistance of the counselor.
• Addiction intervention: Specific to alcohol or drugs and the effects.
• Employer intervention/worker intervention: When substance use is impacting job performance or the safety of others, the employer or coworkers may get involved.
• Crisis intervention: When there is a mental health, substance use or safety issue that is present and requires immediate assistance.
• Brief intervention: A brief conversation can help someone determine that his or her substance use is risky and thus prevent further problems. The SAMHSA definition for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a strategy for the identification of risky substance use and linkage to care.

What Happens During an Intervention?

• A planned intervention typically occurs in an appropriate and private environment. Participants can rotate giving their explanation of how the person’s substance use has impacted them.
• They can talk about individual incidents instead of generalizing. An example of a missed responsibility could be not being a good family member, financial issues, driving behavior changes, etc.
• The team can then discuss a particular suggestion for professional assistance.
• An important component to learning what intervention is about is ensuring that the discussion is about concern, and not about humiliation.

It may also be helpful for participants to discuss boundaries they would encounter if the individual declines assistance. The boundaries need to be realistic and should only include actions that the family is willing to take.

Who Can Be Involved in an Intervention?

This is usually a small number of people who have a meaningful relationship with the person in their life and make up an intervention team.

Depending on the situation, participants could be:

• Parents
• Adult children
• Brothers or sisters
• A spouse or partner
• Close friends
• Trusted relatives
• A member of the person’s faith community
• An intervention professional

Not all people who care for the person have to be involved. A person who is prone to being very emotional, argumentative, or unpredictable may make the conversation more difficult.

The intervention team typically consists of individuals the person trusts, respects or relies on, states Mayo Clinic.

How to Prepare for an Intervention

An intervention can be more targeted and effective with advance planning.

Begin by getting to know about the individual’s substance use and the impact that it has had on the life of the individual. Do not make assumptions. Record particular behaviors or events that participants wish to talk about.

Then, determine what professional resources are available. If the person is willing to participate, the next step should be clear and not uncertain.

It is also recommended that the participants practice the dialogue. Everyone can remain calm and not argue over the intervention with practice.

Having a seasoned intervention professional can offer extra structure. A professional can assist with deciding who will be involved, what will be talked about and what type of care might be needed.

What Should You Avoid During an Intervention?

Knowing what an intervention is is only part of the process. It is also vital to be aware of what not to do.

Avoid:

• Name-calling or insults
• Threats that you do not intend to follow
• Shaming the person
• Gaining material ground in irrelevant arguments
• Speaking loud enough so that the person cannot hear you.
• Making exaggerated claims
• Having an undisciplined confrontation

Trying to conquer these dangerous withdrawals in the comfort of home.Trying to deal with these dangerous withdrawals at home!

Making the meeting a family war

An intervention should not be used as a punishment. It is meant to convey concern and to provide a real possibility for change.

The Mayo Clinic says it’s important to stay away from confrontation and instead “center on love, respect, support, and specific concerns.

What Happens After an Intervention?

This is just one of the steps in the intervention. The actions that follow can be significant, too.

If the person agrees to assistance, the family should be prepared to implement the plan agreed upon. This can include an assessment, detox, residential treatment, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and/or recovery support.

The type of care needed is dependent on the substance involved, the extent of use, the degree of withdrawal, physical health, mental health and other individual factors.

However, if the person is unwilling to accept help, family members can still take positive action. They can set limits, end behaviors that could inadvertently encourage drug and alcohol use, and reach out to a professional or family member for help.

SAMHSA strongly recommends that families provide support to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.

Can an Intervention Help With Addiction and Mental Health Concerns?

Yes. An intervention may be needed when there are significant problems with substance use, but substance use can also be associated with depression, anxiety, trauma or other mental health issues.

These may be referred to as co-occurring disorders. If both substance use and mental health needs are present, both should be considered in planning care.

An intervention is not meant to diagnose a mental health condition. Rather, it can empower an individual to obtain a pro assessment and to gain information on the kinds of help that might be suited.

SAMHSA says that mental health and substance use issues can impact people’s everyday functioning, and family support can be useful.

Need Help Planning an Addiction Intervention?

When you’re worried about your loved one’s alcohol or drug use, you’re not alone in planning an intervention. Intervention 911 will help families learn about their options, how to prepare for the challenging conversation, and what steps to take next in order to seek professional addiction care. Call Contact Intervention 911 today and speak with someone about your circumstances and the ability of professional intervention support to assist you.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

When substance use is serious, the person continues to refuse to seek help or family members are unsure about how to approach the situation, professional help should be considered.

Professional advice is especially critical when there is a risk of violence, overdose, severe withdrawal, self-harm, or some other immediate danger.

An intervention professional will be able to assist the family to develop a safer plan and decide if an intervention is necessary at all.

When an overdose or serious difficulty with breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, or other medical emergency is suspected, do not attempt an intervention, but rather dial emergency services immediately.

SAMHSA offers information on treatment and a National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP, 4357) for national resources on substance use in the United States.

Understanding When an Intervention May Help

When addiction is impacting a loved one, a thoughtfully informed decision can be made by understanding what intervention is. An intervention is a designated time to voice concern, clarify how the substance use is affecting the health of the person or others, set boundaries and boundaries, and offer professional assistance.

It’s not a matter of shaming or fear. It’s about setting up an easy road to assistance while acknowledging that recovery is an individual journey.

Preparation is key when thinking about doing an intervention. A professional can assist you in discussing your options, managing the conversation, and anticipating the response(s).

An intervention can be a crucial first step to recovery for the individual suffering from addiction and stability for the family with the proper planning and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simple word for intervention?

The word “intervention” is one word which can be easily understood as “action” or “involvement.” In the context of addiction recovery, intervention typically involves a deliberate intervention aimed at stopping or reducing the use of drugs or alcohol and at encouraging the individual to seek help.

What is an example of an intervention?

An intervention is a planned meeting in which family members and close friends inform the individual about the impacts of his alcohol and/or drug use on them and urge him to follow a particular professional plan for recovery.

What is intervention in medicine?

In the health care field, an intervention is a process used to prevent, diagnose, manage, or improve a health problem. These may include medication, counseling, surgery, rehabilitation, screening, or other health-care services to enhance health.

What is the meaning of intervene?

Intervene: interrupt a situation to attempt to change its course or to stop additional damage. Intervention may include family members or professionals intervening to promote appropriate help in the case of addiction.

What is the meaning of an intervention?

An intervention is an action that is planned to solve a problem and promote change. In the context of addiction treatment, it can refer to a formal discussion designed to encourage an individual suffering from substance abuse to get help.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is educational and informational and not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to replace medical advice, medical diagnosis, emergency medical care or personal addiction treatment. All situations related to substance use are unique. The intervention should be well planned, and professional advice may be needed when there are issues of safety, withdrawal, mental health and/or other serious concerns. If there is an immediate risk of overdose, self-harm, violence, or another medical emergency, call emergency services.

References and Content Sources

• Mayo Clinic: Information on planning an intervention, intervention teams, preparation, professional guidance, and follow-up.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Information about family support, substance use services, and early intervention.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Information regarding family involvement and support in addiction recovery.

Authoritative resources:

SAMHSA: Substance Use Disorder Treatment Resources
SAMHSA: SBIRT and Early Intervention
Mayo Clinic: Intervention and Addiction