It can be unnerving and uncomfortable to confront a friend or loved one about a drinking problem. Basically it comes down to approaching the alcoholic and telling them how their drinking has affected everyone around them. The main purpose of an intervention is to get the individual to go into a treatment program. However, alcoholics have a tendency to deny their problems and get angry when others are critical of their drinking. Therefore, the intervention should be carefully planned before it is initiated.
An important aspect of planning is the element of surprise. An alcoholic should not be alerted about what will take place. If they find out in advance, they will likely already have their defense planned upon arrival. Prior to the intervention, you should bring 3-8 people together who are willing to learn how to help. Have a preparatory meeting to discuss important factors of the intervention. Everyone should bring a letter that is addressed to the alcoholic explaining the negative consequences caused by their drinking, the way their drinking has affected them, and the attempts they have made in the past to help. In the meeting, everyone can discuss these letters and edit anything that conveys anger, blame, or judgment.
It is imperative that you research and have information to present on a chosen treatment center. Plus, it's highly recommended to plan for a professional intervention counselor to be present. Often they can be provided by the treatment center and are able to answer any questions the alcoholic might have regarding his/her recovery. Next, identify any objections your friend or family member may have with the intervention and rehearse your responses. The chairman of the meeting should create a script for the opening and closing statements. Plus, every detail from where to discreetly park cars to the order in which the letters are read, should be predetermined.
Arrangements should be made for an alcoholic to enter an inpatient rehab immediately following the intervention. This means that a bag should be packed, travel arrangements made, and all loose ends taken care of. Make sure the treatment facility is expecting the new admission and let them know when the alcoholic has agreed to receive help. All letters from the intervention should go to the addiction counselor who will be overseeing the new patients treatment. Once your friend or loved one is in recovery, sign up for family programs like Al-Anon that will help you understand the disease and the recovery.
