What is an intervention, and does it work for addiction?

6 Sep 2024 | 7 min read | Updated: 23 Sep 2024

Addiction is a complex and often debilitating disease that affects not only the person concerned, but also their family and friends. It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one struggle with addiction, particularly when their behaviour changes and they isolate themselves from those close to them. In these situations, many people wonder what they can do to help. One option often considered is a professional intervention. But what exactly is an intervention, and does it really work to change and improve the situation? In this blog, we take a closer look at the importance of interventions, how they work and whether they are effective.

An intervention is a structured, compassionate confrontation in which family members and sometimes friends come together to express their concerns about a loved one’s addictive behaviour. The aim is to help the person with the addiction recognise that they have a problem requiring professional support. It is an opportunity for those involved to express their love and concern, while also making clear how the addiction affects them and others.

Interventions are often led by a professional known as an "interventionist". This person is trained to prepare and guide the intervention properly and ensure that the conversation proceeds constructively. The interventionist team also ensures that everything is ready for the intended residential admission should the person with the addiction decide to accept help.

An intervention may be needed when someone does not seek or want to accept help and it is clear that their life is heading in a direction that appears likely to cause only further destruction. As a loved one, you may wonder whether you are imagining things or whether there really is an addiction problem.

Here are some signs that an intervention should be considered:

1. Changes in behaviour: The person may experience sudden mood swings, become irritable or withdraw from friends and family.

2. Health problems: There may be visible signs of physical decline, such as weight loss, fatigue or poor personal hygiene.

3. Problems at work or school: Addiction can lead to problems at work or school, such as declining performance, frequent absence or disciplinary action.

4. Financial difficulties: Borrowing money, selling valuables or constant financial problems may indicate an addiction.

5. Denial and concealment: The person denies having problems with substance use or tries to hide them from friends and family.

If you recognise these signs in a loved one, an intervention may be a necessary step to help them.

An intervention programme consists of several steps and requires careful planning. The process can be complex and is usually made up of the following stages. After a comprehensive intake assessment and the decision to proceed with the intervention, these are broadly the next steps:

1. Preparation and planning

The intervention process begins with a preparation phase, during which an interventionist works with family members and sometimes close friends to draw up a plan. This includes explaining the purpose and value of an intervention, choosing a time and place, deciding who will be present and rehearsing what will be said. The intervention must provide a safe, neutral environment in which the person with the addiction does not feel threatened.

2. Education

The intervention team receives information about addiction and how it works. This helps them better understand what their loved one is going through and reinforces their conviction that the intervention is necessary.

3. The conversation

During the intervention itself, the group meets with the person with the addiction to share their concerns. It is important that this is done respectfully and without judgement. The interventionist guides the conversation and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to speak. The intervention should focus on love and concern for the person with the addiction, rather than criticising their addiction, while still addressing their behaviour.

4. Offering a solution

After sharing their concerns, the team presents the person with the addiction with a structured treatment plan. This is almost always a residential admission, away from their usual environment.

5. Following the plan

If the person with the addiction agrees, the plan is put into action immediately. This may mean that they enter a treatment centre within a few days. If they refuse, the intervention team can discuss next steps, such as restricting financial support or other forms of assistance until they are willing to accept help. Alternatively, it may be time for the family to choose their own wellbeing, step back and protect themselves.

An intervention is always successful because it establishes a 'baseline', a clear point of reference at which the family says: “This is our boundary; no further. Either you accept help or everything is going to change!” The outcome of the intervention depends on many factors. Besides the willingness of the person with the addiction to accept help, these include the severity of the addiction, possible personality-related problems and the position of family and friends.

Research shows that interventions can be effective in motivating people to seek help for their addiction. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) reports that more than 90% of people who undergo an intervention do in fact seek help afterwards. If the person with the addiction does not accept help, the intervention still marks a turning point for loved ones. They can begin moving forward, however painful that may be. The distance they create at that point may still lead the person with the addiction to accept help, or the family can begin taking steps that are healthy for them—steps that ensure they are no longer codependent on the person, their behaviour and their substance use.

An important factor in success is the involvement of a professional interventionist. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to guide the intervention effectively and can help prevent the process from escalating into conflict or emotional outbursts that may be counterproductive. Even if it does escalate, the interventionist acts as a buffer.

It is important, however, to understand that an intervention is not a magical solution. It is the beginning of a long-term recovery process. A successful intervention is only one step towards recovery, and the person with the addiction must remain willing to make a meaningful change of course. Some involvement from family and friends is important so that they no longer 'enable' the person by making it too easy for them to fall back into old behaviours. To promote lasting change, it is important for the family to work on themselves too. Addiction is, after all, a family disease.

Remember this: it is possible! For you and your loved one too. Many have gone before you and now share their success stories to inspire and motivate others to seek help. Curious about their stories? Listen to them on our podcast:

Or read Pieter’s anonymised recovery story: without Peggy-Sue, I would be dead now.

The costs of an intervention are not reimbursed by health insurers. Neither is the treatment—the residential admission. This is because we need to act immediately, which requires a different care pathway. Each intervention programme is bespoke and tailored to the person and situation. The best course is to contact an interventionist who can assess the situation during an intake consultation. Following this initial meeting, you will receive a proposal containing a plan of action and an overview of the costs. Sometimes family members create a shared fund. It is important to know that the costs of an intervention must be paid in advance.

Besides the financial cost, it is important to recognise that an intervention also requires time and effort from everyone involved. Because addiction is a condition that affects the entire family system, not only the person with the addiction but also family members and friends must play an active role in achieving and sustaining lasting change.

If you are considering an intervention for a loved one, the first step is to contact a professional interventionist. It is important to choose an interventionist who is certified and experienced in the type of addiction your loved one is struggling with. The interventionist should also be someone you feel comfortable with and trust to guide you through this difficult process. You may also wish to choose someone who can relate to people from every walk of life.

Contact us to find out whether we are the right people to help you

Peggy-Sue combines professional knowledge with personal experience of recovery. She understands what a person with an addiction and their family are going through and carefully guides them through the first steps towards appropriate help and lasting recovery.

You can schedule an intake with us using the intake button on our website: www.peggy-sue.com

This will reach one of us directly, after which we will contact you to arrange an intake consultation.

You can also email us directly at: info@peggy-sue.com

Or call us on: 085 – 1300 700

Or call/message us on: +31 6 51 61 77 94

Would you like to know what the intake process involves? Read all about it in our blog: The path to recovery with Peggy-Sue

Would you like to learn more about what our intervention process looks like? You can find it in our blog: What does an interventionist do?

An intervention can be a powerful way to help someone with an addiction take the first step towards recovery. The process requires careful planning, the involvement of family and friends, and guidance from an experienced professional. Although an intervention offers no guarantee, it can be an important catalyst in motivating a person with an addiction to seek help and get their life back on track.

If you are worried about a loved one with an addiction, do not wait to take action. Contact a professional interventionist today and discover how you can help your loved one take the first step towards recovery. Help is only a phone call away, and it could mean the difference between life and death.