An intervention letter is something written by a loved one
to a person struggling with substance abuse or some other self-destructive
behavior. During a drug intervention, the subject is invited to a specific and neutral
location, where family and friends have come together for the express purpose
of communicating their concern and love for the individual. Each participant
writes out and reads aloud a letter of their own, with a request that the
subject seek help.
1 – Begin your letter with an affirmation of affection or
love for the individual. Write out a few line recalling happy times, specific
events, and special instances that were shared in a positive manner between you
and the recipient.
2 – Cite specific incidents that involve negative behaviors
as exhibited by the individual when under the influence. Detail your anger,
hurt, and embarrassment. If the intervention subject happens to be your spouse,
you may want to include details pertaining to how these behaviors have
negatively impacted the relationship and children. Avoid exaggerations, and
stick to the facts, leaving little room for argument.
3 – Request that the individual accept the help being
offered. Outline consequences that will take place if help is not sought. Be
specific and firm: “If you don’t seek treatment today, this marriage is over.”
Provide them only with consequences that you are actually able to enforce. Close
your letter with a statement of affection and love, while making a final appeal
for the subject to seek help.
4 – Perhaps the most important aspect of any intervention
letter is honesty. Avoid accusatory language that may drive the individual
inward. So long has each incident can be described in detail, there is no
reason to sugar-coat the reality of the situation.
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