Alcohol Intervention Guidelines

Do you have a loved one requiring treatment for alcoholism? If so, an alcohol intervention may be the road to follow. Truth be told, an intervention can be a stressful ordeal. Though you likely have reservations about confronting your loved one, it is important to take action before the issue escalates into greater risk areas.

Location, Location, Location

The proper location is essential to the success of an alcohol intervention. This spot should serve as a neutral zone for both the alcoholic and participants alike. In this way, you can effectively lessen the possibility of your loved one feeling threatened or on-guard. Plan a time when the subject is most likely to be clear headed and sober to ensure they are able to fully understand the extent of the situation at hand.

Communication

Before the intervention can begin, it is important to obtain a commitment from the alcoholic that they will listen without interruption while others are speaking. Express your concern without blame or accusation. Stick to the facts and support your claims with recent examples of how the individual’s behaviors have negatively impacted both themselves and those surrounding them.

In most cases, it’s best to write out your feelings ahead of time. It can be easy for emotions to get the best of us in stressful situations. In this way, you can communicate your concern clearly, without frustration, anger and personal attacks.

Offer Answers

After each participant has been afforded the opportunity to communicate his or her concerns, a solution must be offered. Having a treatment plan in place prior to the intervention is imperative to a safe and successful transition into recovery. If your loved one agrees to accept help, your plan must be enacted immediately to avoid delays and second thoughts.

If the individual shows hesitancy towards recovery, an ultimatum should be offered to motivate them in the right direction. Ultimatums can range from revoked financial assistance to cutting off communication completely. Please note that if you are unwilling to carry out the ultimatum, it should not be given. Empty threats will get you nowhere; causing only additional issues moving forward.