Editor's note: The National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879 is a free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline.  When a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, alcohol use disorder, or another form of substance abuse, it can be heartbreaking to watch. Most families find themselves feeling helpless and unsure of what to do when their family member refuses treatment. However, staging an intervention can be a powerful tool to help a person struggling with substance use disorder realize they need professional help. A well-planned and thoughtful intervention process can guide your loved one toward the treatment program they need. Here's how to stage an intervention that will lead to successful outcomes.

What Is Staging an Intervention?

Staging an intervention involves gathering family members, close friends, and sometimes an addiction specialist or mental health counselor to confront a person struggling with substance abuse. The goal of the intervention is to break through the denial or enabling behaviors that often surround his or her addiction to drugs and to offer a clear path toward treatment options. This carefully planned process is not about judgment or blame but about helping your loved one see the destructive behaviors that are damaging their life and relationships. It's important to approach the intervention meeting with compassion and a focus on the recovery process, emphasizing that treatment is the best way forward for their mental health and overall well-being. (more…)