Alcohol Abuse Advice

Arranging A Community Intervention

Addiction is a disease that does not only damage the victim, but also the close friends, family members, and other loved ones who are a part of this persons’ life.

The individual who is struggling with addiction is not themselves anymore, they have lost control to the drug or alcohol and will behave in ways that he or she normally wouldn’t. It’s very common for somebody who is suffering addiction to lie, steal, and betray those close to him or her. When this happens, the reactions of those involved are very important.

You can choose to enable an addict, or to arrange a community intervention that will help them realize the consequences of their actions. However, you should have a realistic idea of what you should and should not expect out of a community intervention. For example, the individual you confront will never have the reaction that you want.

A community intervention will not cause a person to immediately “wake up and smell the roses” but it will get through to them that they have caused pain, and that there are people who want to help them. Many individuals struggling with addiction will often feel that “nobody cares about them” so it is important to contradict that thought, while at the same time letting them know that you will not tolerate their behavior.

Who to Involve in a Community Intervention

It is important to include as many people as possible when planning a community intervention. Begin with family members and friends but don’t stop there. Contact neighbors, coworkers, and anybody who has ever had any contact with the addict. Also contact your local rehab center to include an addiction counselor (most rehab centers offer intervention services) and ask about including a recovering addict that can share their story and offer inspiration.

Guidelines for an Effective Community Intervention

To have an effective community intervention, you need to be organized. Plan out who will speak, and when. Ideally, everyone involved should have a turn to speak up and confront the addict, but even if somebody is not willing or comfortable speaking up they should still be present. When planning a community intervention, allow flexibility for somebody to speak up if they have changed their mind.

You should also be prepared with specific examples of the actions an addict has exhibited, including the consequences of those actions. When appropriate, compare these actions to the signs and symptoms of addiction, and the damages they cause. (You will want to research addiction, and have information available for the addict to look at.)

Before having a community intervention, everyone involved should be prepared to be attacked physically, mentally, or emotionally. Even if you are not taking an offensive position, somebody who is confronted about their addiction will become highly defensive and act out in dangerous or hurtful ways. Speaking with an intervention specialist will help prepare you for this aspect.

Finally, give the addict room to talk between each approach. Let them know that their opinion matters to you, even if you disagree. (Always let them know If you disagree.)

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