7 Mistakes to Avoid During an Intervention

An intervention is an emotionally charged and delicate meeting aimed at helping a loved one recognize their addiction and seek treatment. Interventions, when done correctly, can be a turning point. They can encourage someone to overcome their denial and accept the help they need.

However, many possible pitfalls in her process can worsen the situation if not properly handled.

Whether you’re organizing an intervention for a family member, friend or someone else, knowing what to do and not what to do can make all the difference.

The success of an intervention relies on careful planning, clear communication and emotional readiness.

How Does an Intervention Work?

An intervention is carefully planned and executed. It’s designed to encourage someone struggling with addiction to seek professional help. It’s structured and often includes loved ones as well as professionals.

The planning process can include the following steps:

• Assembling a team: The intervention team comprises close family members, friends, and sometimes colleagues. These should all have a significant relationship with the person in need. A professional interventionist can also be incredibly helpful.
• Gathering information and planning: Once the team comes together, they’ll collect detailed information about the person’s behavior, the extent of the problem, and its effects on the people around them. From there, a detailed plan can be created. Each participant will plan what to say, and potential treatment options will be ready.
• Execution: The intervention should be supportive and not confrontational. The location should be private and distraction-free. Each team member reads their statement, expressing concern and love for the person while detailing the impacts of their behavior. After sharing their concerns, the team presents pre-arranged treatment options.
• Follow-up: If someone agrees to get help, they’re usually taken to the treatment facility immediately.
• Ongoing support: The team provides continuous support throughout treatment and recovery.

Along with encouraging someone to seek treatment, the goals of an intervention can include breaking through denial and providing a unified front.

It works because of the emotional impact that can be a powerful motivator to change and because it’s structured, which increases the chances of a constructive outcome.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid During an Intervention

Below, we detail seven common intervention mistakes so they can be avoided.

1. Lack of Preparation

People may underestimate an intervention’s complexity, thinking they can handle it without thorough planning. The intervention can quickly become chaotic and unorganized, making it ineffective and leading to defensive reactions.

Avoid this by giving yourself and the rest of the team ample time to prepare. Choose the right participants, rehearse what you’ll say and have a clear plan for the day of the intervention.

You should think about working with a professional interventionist.

2. Choosing the Wrong Time or Place

Choosing a time or place not conducive to a conversation can be problematic. This can lead to discomfort and distractions, making the person more likely to feel cornered or ambushed.

Choose a neutral, private location. Make sure the person is not under the influence of substances and that there is time to have an in-depth conversation without interruptions.

3. Being Aggressive or Too Confrontational

An intervention is when emotions are heightened, and participants can aggressively express their feelings. Aggression can lead to defensiveness; the person might shut down or leave.

Approach with an attitude that’s calm and supportive. Your goal is to show love and concern—not anger or blame.

4. Not Having a Unified Message or Goal

If you don’t plan and coordinate an intervention well enough, the partial participants might have differing opinions on the problem and possible solutions, leading to mixed messages.

Inconsistent messages can confuse the person and weaken the intervention’s impact. That’s going to make it less likely the person will accept help.

Make sure everyone gets on the same page ahead of time and align statements and intentions with prep meetings.

5. Failing To Offer an Immediate Solution

An intervention might focus only on showing your concerns rather than providing the next steps or treatment options. Then, the individual could agree they need help but be overwhelmed or unsure what to do next. This can cause inaction.

Concrete treatment options should be ready and arranged before an intervention. There should also be preparation to take immediate action, such as driving the person to a treatment facility immediately if they agree to seek help.

6. Involving the Wrong People

When planning an intervention, you might want to include everyone who cares about the person, no matter their emotional state or relationship.

Involving people with strained relationships who might be too emotional can create conflict and derail the intervention.

Choose people to participate carefully. Think about individuals who can stay calm and focused and have a supportive and positive relationship with the individual.

7. Not Getting Professional Help

You might avoid getting professional help for many reasons, including pride, cost concerns or underestimating the complicated situation.

A professional intervention can bring significant experience, neutrality, and structure, greatly increasing the likelihood of success.

When you hire a professional interventionist, they can navigate and guide the planning process, mediate during the intervention, and provide needed support and resources.

By avoiding these common intervention mistakes, you can create a more supportive, effective environment for your loved one. This can, in turn, increase the chances they’ll accept needed help.

Once you successfully do an intervention, it’s just the first step in a recovery journey. The period immediately follows is critical and requires action and careful planning to ensure you keep the momentum you built.

Find Help for an Addicted Loved One

If you’d like to explore addiction treatment resources, contact our Archstone Behavioral Health team. We can help you explore your options and figure out the best next steps, whether you’re personally struggling with addiction or you’re trying to help a loved one.