Planning A Drug Or Alcohol Intervention For An Adult Child

Planning a drug or alcohol intervention for an adult child can be a challenging, sensitive process.

Before taking action, you can prepare yourself by assembling a support team, consulting with professionals, and setting attainable objectives, among other strategies.

By understanding the nature of addiction and approaching the conversation with a clear plan, you can help your intervention go as smoothly as possible.

When Is An Intervention Necessary For Your Adult Child?

Deciding when an intervention is necessary for your adult child is often a subjective matter based on your intuition and observations. However, there are a few clear signs that an intervention is necessary.

If your adult child’s physical or mental health is rapidly declining due to drug or alcohol use, intervention may be necessary to prevent further health problems.

Involvement with law enforcement, such as arrests or legal troubles related to drug or alcohol abuse, can be another clear indication that an intervention is needed.

If your adult child is consistently failing at work due to substance abuse, it may be time to intervene to prevent further professional consequences.

Frequent financial problems, such as borrowing money with no clear repayment plan, may be a red flag that substance abuse is impacting your child’s financial stability.

If you’re still unsure whether an intervention is necessary, it could be time to consider consulting with an alcohol and drug addiction professional.

Assess Your Child’s Current Situation

Before staging an intervention for your adult child, conduct an assessment of their current situation.

The aim of this assessment is to gather information, understand the extent of the problem, and determine the most appropriate approach.

Start by collecting relevant information about your child’s behavior, habits, and any signs of substance abuse.

Talk to family members and friends who may have also seen concerning behavior.

Make a list of specific behaviors that have raised concerns. You can note changes in appearance, mood, and academic or work performance.

Perhaps most importantly, evaluate the immediate safety of your child. If you have concerns about their safety due to a substance abuse problem, it may mean a more urgent intervention is needed.

Educate Yourself On Substance Abuse Disorders

Educating yourself on the nature of addiction, its impact on people, and available treatment options can help you approach the intervention with empathy and knowledge.

Start by learning about the specific substances your adult child is using, since different drugs have different effects on the body and mind.

You can also familiarize yourself with the common signs and symptoms of substance abuse. These may include changes in behavior, physical appearance, and social withdrawal.

Often, substance abuse coexists with mental health issues, so take some time to read about the link between addiction and conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Finally, look into withdrawal symptoms associated with the substance your child is abusing. This can help you understand the challenges they may face when attempting to quit.

Assemble Your Support Team

Assembling a support team before staging an intervention will not only ensure a well-organized intervention, but it can also help you get the reassurance and support you need yourself.

Invite family members who are close to your child but not directly enabling the substance abuse, such as siblings or relatives.

You can also choose friends who have a genuine concern for your child’s wellbeing. Choose those who are supportive and again, who are not actively involved in your child’s substance abuse.

If possible, ask a mental health professional or addiction specialist to join. Their expertise can provide insights, guidance, and emotional support during the intervention.

Finally, you might consider designating someone to act as a facilitator during the intervention. This person can guide the discussion and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak.

Talk To An Addiction Specialists, Therapists, Or Certified Interventionists

Speaking to an expert before staging an intervention can help bring clarity to your situation.

It can also increase the chances of success by helping you and your family navigate the complexities of substance abuse from a calm, outside position.

Look for addiction specialists, therapists, or certified interventionists with experience in conducting interventions.

Often, you can find professionals through online directories, recommendations from healthcare providers, or referrals from local mental health organizations.

You might also try reaching out to local addiction treatment centers. They often have intervention professionals on their staff or can give you recommendations for experts in your area.

Set Obtainable Objectives

Setting attainable objectives when staging an intervention can help give you a focused and realistic approach.

The objectives you choose will provide a framework for the intervention and help guide everyone toward the best possible outcome.

An example of an obtainable objective might be “to communicate genuine concern and love for your child in a supportive and non-confrontational manner.”

Another example might be, “To communicate clear boundaries and consequences if your child refuses help, making it clear that the family will not enable the substance abuse.”

Setting clear objectives like these can help bring clarity to the purpose of the intervention.

Write Out What You And Others Are Going To Say

Substance abuse interventions can be emotionally charged and unpredictable.

Having a written script may give you a sense of control, helping your team navigate the conversation with confidence and purpose.

Writing out what you’d like to say also gives the communication process structure, ensuring that each person has an opportunity to speak and that the intervention follows a logical flow.

Of course, while it’s a good idea to plan what you and others will say during an intervention, it’s equally important to maintain flexibility and adapt to your child’s responses as they arise.

Practice The Intervention With Your Support Team

Practicing the intervention with your support team can help the actual intervention go more smoothly, bringing to light potential challenges that may arise during the intervention.

It also allows your team members to become familiar with the overall process, helping everyone understand the sequence of events and the role each person will play.

Team members can use the practice session to refine and adjust their messages. This is especially important to make sure they’re conveying their concerns in the right way.

Find A Rehab Program That Suits Your Child’s Needs

After the intervention, the next step in the process will be sending your adult child to rehabilitation. You will likely propose this option with your chosen rehab center during the intervention.

To find a rehab program that suits your child’s needs, you’ll need to consider factors such as the type of substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and available amenities offered by each facility.

One of your first decisions will be to determine the best level of care for your child. Options include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, or intensive outpatient programs (IOP).

If you’re not sure where to start, ask for advice from your child’s primary care physician, addiction specialists, or mental health experts.

These professionals are trained to provide insights into the appropriate level of care and potential treatment options for adults experiencing addiction.

Try To Anticipate Their Questions And Concerns

Even if your adult child is open to the idea of rehab, they will surely have questions about the process, the types of treatment they’ll be undergoing, and how it will impact their lives.

Some common questions people have before entering a rehab program are:

• Will I have to detox, and what will it entail?
• How long will the program last?
• What will the treatment facility be like?
• Will there be other young adults in my treatment program?
• Can I receive visitors or communicate with family?
• What happens if I have cravings?
• Does my health insurance cover treatment and therapy sessions?
• Are medications used, and if so, which ones?
• Will my substance abuse treatment plan be confidential?
• Can I continue working or studying during treatment?
• What happens in case of emergency or medical issues?
• How will this impact my life and career?

Considering possible questions like these beforehand can help you give your child the reassurance they need before agreeing to enter rehab.

Follow Through With The Consequences If They Don’t Get Help

Following through with the consequences outlined during an intervention may be difficult, but it’s an essential part of the process.

Clearly defined consequences help establish boundaries between enabling behavior and healthy support.

By following through, you communicate that certain behaviors associated with substance abuse are no longer acceptable.

Remember that consequences should be fair, reasonable, and aligned with the goal of recovery. They are not meant to punish but to create a firm yet supportive environment.

Continue Your Support During Your Child’s Recovery Journey

After the intervention, your child will need your love and support.

You can continue to support them by educating yourself about alcohol and drug abuse, participating in family therapy and support groups, and being patient and understanding.

Setbacks may occur, but you can always offer encouragement during challenging times.

On the flip side, you can also celebrate your child’s milestones in recovery, whether it’s a month of sobriety, completing a program, or achieving personal goals.

Learn About Addiction Treatment Options At Bedrock Recovery Center

If your adult child needs addiction treatment, we can help. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center today.