Do you have a family member dealing with drug or alcohol addiction?  Is your anxiety level through the roof and you’re losing sleep at night? Or, are you confused and desperate about what to do? You might be all of the above. Learn these 25 Tips for Successful Intervention and reduce your stress level. This valuable tool will help you learn how to do an intervention and save your loved one’s life!  

Successful Intervention Tips Saves Lives 

Staging an intervention to get an addicted loved one into substance abuse treatment is one of the hardest things families have to face. Newman Intervention Services helps families with loved ones struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and saves lives. Having these Successful Intervention Tips as a resource only strengthens the chances of success. 

Please fill out the form to get the downloadable Successful Intervention Tips flyer. This flyer was created to help families struggling with a loved one who has a drug or alcohol problem learn how to overcome an otherwise overwhelming situation and learn the process of intervention. 

In my 20 years of doing interventions, this downloadable flyer contains what I’ve learned is needed for drug or alcohol addiction intervention success.

25 Tips for a Successful Intervention

Welcome to our Tips for staging a Successful Intervention for a loved one struggling with substance abuse. Drawing from over 24 years of experience, Newman Interventions offers you 25 essential intervention tips designed to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

1. Determine the Right Treatment Program – Before you begin the intervention, it’s crucial to have a treatment program lined up. Being prepared ensures immediate action once your loved one agrees to seek help, avoiding delays that could lead to a change of heart.

2. Assemble Your Intervention Team – Select a team of individuals respected by the addicted person—family members, close friends, or loved ones who can stay clear-headed and strong during the process. Avoid involving those who are overly emotional, as this could hinder the intervention.

3. Unify Your Intervention Team – Unity is key. The team must work together towards the shared goal of getting your loved one into treatment. Before starting, ensure everyone is aligned on the purpose and committed to staying the course.

4. Anticipate Objections – Discuss and list out any potential objections your loved one might have to entering treatment. Prepare solid responses to these objections to keep the intervention on track.

5. Remember Who You Are Trying to Save – Focus on the person behind the addiction. Reflect on their qualities and the reasons you love them, which will help you stay emotionally grounded during the intervention.

6. Be Prepared for Any Reaction – Your loved one may react negatively—anger, accusations, or even threats. Stay calm and mentally prepared for these outbursts. Your composure is vital to the success of the intervention.

7. Operate as a Team – A unified team can positively influence the outcome. Disagreements during the intervention can cause it to fail, so ensure everyone remains coordinated and focused.

8. Be Loving, but Firm – The addicted person may attempt to manipulate the situation. Stay loving but unwavering in your demand that they enter treatment immediately.

9. Establish Bottom Lines – Set clear consequences if your loved one refuses treatment and be prepared to follow through. These ultimatums help guide the addict towards making the right decision.

10. Don’t Wait for “Rock Bottom.”  – The idea that an addict must hit “rock bottom” before seeking help is a myth. Successful intervention often involves showing them the dire consequences of their current path before it’s too late. Rock bottom could mean jail or worse, DEATH! Our motto is we bring the bottom to them and make them realize there is a problem and things need to change. 

11. Prepare for the Worst – Prepare for any scenario, including the worst possible outcome. This readiness helps you maintain control and increases the likelihood of a successful intervention.

12. Stay Committed Long-Term – Interventions can take more than a day. Prepare yourself and your team for the possibility of a prolonged process, maintaining strength and persistence throughout.

13. Set New Behavioral Expectations – The intervention should establish new ground rules, emphasizing that sobriety must be maintained after treatment. Make it clear that you will no longer enable their addiction.

14. Take Control – You may need to change how you’ve interacted with your loved one in the past. Be prepared to assert control over the situation, making it clear that treatment is the only option.

15. Hold a Pre-Intervention Meeting – A pre-intervention meeting is essential. Use this time to resolve any disagreements, finalize your plan, and ensure the team is unified.

16. Prepare Letters – Ask each team member to write a letter to the addict expressing love and concern. These letters serve as conversation guides during the intervention, helping to keep emotions in check.

17. Arrange Travel Plans – Ensure all travel arrangements are ready, so your loved one can leave for treatment immediately after agreeing. If you’ve hired a professional interventionist, they will manage this step.

18. Do Whatever It Takes – Some addicts may not immediately agree to treatment. Be prepared to use any persuasive means necessary to bring them to rehab, without resorting to anger or violence.

19. Pre-Pack a Bag – Have a bag packed and ready for your loved one to take with them to treatment. This removes any opportunity for hesitation or delay.

20. Create the Right Environment – Choose the timing and location of your intervention carefully. Ensure the environment is free from distractions and that your loved one is as sober and rested as possible.

21. Plan Strategic Positioning – During the intervention, consider the physical setup of the room. Position your loved one in a way that maximizes their engagement with the team and minimizes chances of escape.

22. Stay Strong – The intervention leader should begin by expressing love and concern. As each team member reads their letter, stay focused and avoid engaging in arguments. Your strength is key to success.

23. Leave Immediately – Once your loved one agrees to treatment, leave for the facility without delay. Any hesitation could jeopardize the success of the intervention.

24. Maintain Conviction – Expect manipulation attempts from your loved one, especially during travel or upon arrival at the rehab facility. Stay strong in your conviction and don’t waver.

25. Focus on Permanent Sobriety  The ultimate goal is lasting sobriety. Celebrate milestones along the way but remain vigilant until you are confident your loved one has achieved permanent recovery.

These 25 tips are designed to guide you through the difficult process of staging an intervention, helping you save the life of your loved one. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a Certified Intervention Professional, contact Newman Interventions today.

Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Intervention Guide

Our Comprehensive Intervention Guide provides families and loved ones with step-by-step instructions for conducting a successful intervention. It covers everything from planning and managing difficult emotions to handling medical emergencies and recognizing when medical detox services are needed. This guide ensures you’re well-prepared to navigate both the emotional and practical challenges, giving you the confidence and knowledge to help someone take the crucial first step toward recovery.

How to do An Intervention Online Course

Newman Intervention and Addiction Services offers a very informational “How to Do an Intervention” online course. This course equips families and loved ones with the tools and strategies needed to effectively stage a successful intervention, providing step-by-step guidance to help individuals struggling with addiction take the first crucial step toward recovery.

Family Intervention Works.

When a family is trying to convince a loved one to go to rehab, it’s one of life’s most stressful moments. Literally, a life, often many lives, hang in the balance. If you’ve already tried this in the past, then you know that using logic and love very seldom works. On one hand this may not make sense, but strategical, tactical methods mixed with the proper emotion do work.