Watching a loved one struggle with alcohol use can be one of the most difficult experiences you will ever encounter. Fortunately, there is hope for individuals struggling with addiction like alcohol addiction, and the first step can be an intervention. Whether you or your loved one is starting to feel the effects of alcohol use or living a high functioning life with alcoholism, Hired Power can provide the personalized recovery tools necessary to change the trajectory and lead a higher quality of life.

Hired Power is an addiction and mental health recovery service that designs recovery plans for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. Our approach to recovery focuses on long-term success and fulfillment through interventions, safe passage, data-driven monitoring, coaching, and case management. While the step is big, it can also be very empowering and Hired Power can help plan and execute effective treatment options.

 

What is an Intervention for Alcohol Addiction?

 

Alcohol addiction is a drinking pattern that can result in negative consequences that make it challenging to fulfill responsibilities and obligations. Individuals with a substance use disorder, like alcohol abuse, often find it difficult to see or acknowledge the problem. An intervention is an empowering, professionally guided conversation that begins the healing process for everyone involved.

An intervention is a planned process that includes designated family members and friends that would like to help an individual start the healing process from a substance use disorder. These events are most successful when overseen by a trained professional. 

An intervention is a safe place where loved ones can express concerns and support for their friend or family member, and help them begin their journey to professional recovery for their condition. Because everyone involved in an intervention cares deeply for the individual, it can be easy to get emotional, but it is critical to keep the intervention centered on love and positivity.

Intervention for alcohol addiction can be a wake-up call to the detrimental consequences that alcohol users are unaware of or not taking seriously. It’s a time to clearly define substance use disorder’s impact on the person struggling with addiction, friends, and family members and show unconditional support before it is too late.

 

How to Know when Intervention for Alcoholism is Necessary

 

It is not always possible or safe for individuals with alcohol use disorder to stop on their own without professional guidance and support. Knowing when drinking has turned into alcoholism and requires professional recovery is essential. Alcohol addiction should be considered when the following behaviors are present in you or your loved one:

  • Lacks proper judgment and inhibitions
  • Treats others disrespectfully and loses trust
  • Displays erratic behavior and unpredictable mood swings
  • Suffers from anxiety and/or depression
  • Experiences withdrawal symptoms
  • Becomes suicidal
  • Is unable to stop drinking despite trying to quit
  • Has become addicted to other substances along with alcohol
  • Loses driver’s license or job as a result of drinking
  • Is dangerous to themselves or others

 

How to Plan an Intervention for Someone with Alcohol Addiction

 

An intervention is not a spur-of-the-moment decision to talk to someone with alcohol addiction about their condition; it needs to be carefully planned and organized with professional guidance to be successful. Alcohol addiction is different for every individual, and interventions should be tailored to the individual to be effective. You can plan an intervention for someone with alcohol addiction through the following process:

  • Get help from others: The first step is choosing key individuals to be involved in the intervention. This should include a professional interventionist first and foremost, as well as close family members or friends.
  • Start with the basics: Once your team is formed, your trained interventionist will plan a schedule and agenda for the intervention. They will also help designate a location and time and create an outline for the conversation.
  • Prepare statements: The interventionist will guide involved individuals through preparing statements to share with the individual struggling with addiction. These statements should be honest and express real emotion about the situation but not attack the person struggling with addiction.
  • Rehearse: Practice statements before the intervention to ensure appropriate timing and language and help relieve nerves. It is important to remain confident throughout the process, and a practice run with the help of the interventionist will help reassure involved individuals in the plan.
  • Manage expectations: Be prepared for anything. It is difficult for anyone to accept help, which may lead to apprehension from the individual struggling with addiction.

 

Tips for a Successful Intervention for Alcoholism

 

Preparing an intervention can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t need to. There are many ways to ensure an intervention becomes an empowering first step in the healing process:

  • Use a professional interventionist to help plan and guide the process
  • Plan and organize every detail
  • Focus on the solution, not the problem
  • Be sure everyone attending the intervention is on the same page
  • Declare intentions to stop enabling and codependent behaviors and set clear expectations
  • Choose a time when the individual is not drunk or hungover
  • Do not negotiate
  • Have simple next steps prepared for choosing and checking into recovery

 

How Hired Power Keeps Interventions Positive

 

Hired Power has an experienced team of board-registered intervention professionals, certified alcohol and drug counselors, and members of the Association of Intervention Specialists that are trained to implement various intervention models to ensure a well-rounded approach to situations. Early and effective intervention is critical for a successful recovery and profoundly impacts the situation and family.

Interventions are a process that require compassion and personalization. Hired Power works closely with friends and family members to create a positive and loving intervention experience and appropriate recovery plan. Contact us to learn more about alcohol abuse and interventions for alcoholism.