Drug and Alcohol Rehab Interventions

Structured Opportunity to Make Changes

We at High Watch often observe that individuals who are clearly in need of treatment are unable to see it. People who struggle with addiction are often in denial about their situation and unwilling to seek help. They may not recognize the negative effects their behavior has on themselves and others.

Family members want to help their loved one but that individual may not be receptive. We can help in these situations by assisting with a formal intervention.

At High Watch, an intervention is a coordinated attempt by one or, often, many people to encourage someone struggling with addiction to seek professional help. An intervention presents your loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse, and it can motivate him or her to seek or accept help.

How Does a Typical Intervention Work?

A successful intervention must be planned carefully to work as intended. A poorly planned intervention can worsen the situation — your loved one may feel attacked and become isolated or more resistant to treatment.

Our interventionists will help you make a plan, gather information about your loved one’s addiction, and determine who should be involved in the intervention. We will also help you to decide on specific consequences and coordinate what each member of the team will say.

Our interventionist will then come to you and hold the intervention meeting. Without revealing the reason, your loved one with the addiction is asked to the intervention site. Members of the team then take turns expressing their concerns and feelings. Together, we will present your loved one with a treatment option. Each team member will say what specific changes he or she will make if your loved one doesn't accept the plan.

Our rehab interventionists help everyone stay focused on the plan to lead your loved one to recovery. Our firm but compassionate and non-adversarial intervention style helps encourage your loved one to seek treatment. At the same time, our interventionists promote collaboration between the family and the individual in order to avoid the guilt and blame that often prevents people from seeking help.

 
 

How Can You Help Ensure a Successful Intervention?

Keep in mind, your loved one's addiction involves intense emotions. The process of organizing the intervention and the intervention itself can cause conflict, anger and resentment even among family and friends who know your loved one needs their help. To help run a successful intervention:

  • Don't hold an intervention on the spur of the moment. It can take several weeks to plan an effective intervention. However, don't make it too elaborate, either, or it may be difficult to get everyone to follow through.
  • Plan the time of the intervention. Make sure you choose a date and time when your loved one is least likely to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Do your homework. Research your loved one's addiction or substance abuse issue so that you have a good understanding of it.
  • Appoint a single person to act as a liaison. Having one point of contact for all team members will help you communicate and stay on track.
  • Share information. Make sure each team member has the same information about your loved one's addiction and the intervention so that everyone is on the same page. Hold meetings or conference calls to share updates and agree to present a united team.
  • Stage a rehearsal intervention. Here, you can decide who will speak when, sitting arrangements and other details, so there's no fumbling during the real intervention with your loved one.
  • Anticipate your loved one's objections. Have calm, rational responses prepared for each reason your loved one may give to avoid treatment or responsibility for behavior. Offer support that makes it easier to engage in treatment, such as arranging child care or attending counseling sessions with your loved one.
  • Avoid confrontation. Deal with your loved one with love, respect, support and concern — not anger. Be honest, but don't use the intervention as a forum for hostile attacks. Avoid name-calling and angry or accusing statements.
  • Stay on track during the intervention. Veering from the plan can quickly derail an intervention, prevent a helpful outcome for your loved one and worsen family tensions. Be prepared to remain calm in the face of your loved one's accusations, hurt or anger, which is often meant to deflect or derail the conversation.
  • Ask for an immediate decision. Don't give your loved one time to think about whether to accept the treatment offer, even if he or she asks for a few days to think it over. Doing so allows your loved one to continue denying a problem, go into hiding or go on a dangerous binge. Be prepared to get your loved one into an evaluation to start treatment immediately if he or she agrees to the plan.