Learn the steps you should take to plan a successful intervention and help your loved one get treatment for their addiction. www.drugabuse.com

1. 7 STEPS
SUCCESSFUL
INTERVENTION
to a

2. 1Hire an
Interventionist

3. While not required, an interventionist can help
plan the event and facilitate the discussion,
reducing the stress on everyone involved.
An interventionist will have experience in these
situations and help prepare everyone for any
possible scenarios.

4. 2 Choose the Attendees
Carefully

5. Only those who care for the addicted person and
who will not elicit overly negative responses from
him/her should attend.
Remember, compassion is key.

6. 3Set Clear Goals

7. An intervention should be focused on getting
treatment for your addicted loved one.
Make sure everyone attending shares the same
goal and is dedicated to succeeding.

8. 4Organize Treatment
Beforehand

9. Ideally, you will transport your loved one to
treatment immediately after he/she says “yes” to
getting help.
For this reason, it’s important to have plans for
treatment before the intervention so there’s no
delay or chance to back out.

10. 5 Avoid Judgment

11. The best interventions are those where loved
ones express concern without judgment or anger.
It’s important to be honest while maintaining your
composure and remaining calm.
Remember, this is a very difficult time for your
loved one.

12. 6Communicate Consequences

13. Attendees need to decide on consequences you
can all stick to if your loved one says “no.”
Be clear with the person suffering from addiction
that he/she faces these consequences if
treatment is refused.

14. 7Plan Follow-Up
Meetings

15. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight and your
loved one will need continued support throughout
his/her recovery.
Schedule visits with your loved one during this
time and offer ongoing encouragement and care.
Showing that you are proud of his/her
achievements can go a long way.

16. For more tips on how to hold a
successful intervention and help
your loved one get treatment, visit
our page, What to Know Before
Staging an Intervention.