Staging an Intervention: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare

Types of Interventions

There are several ways to format these meetings. If you work with a professional, they may have a preferred style. In a DIY intervention, you can choose the structure that works best for you. This can be based on the number of people in the room, or a more philosophical approach.

Choosing Who Should Be Present

The number of people in the room might have a noticeable effect on the person you’re addressing. It’s best to put some pressure on them, without making them feel so overwhelmed that they shut down. Some people may even respond best to private conversations.

• 1:1 Conversation: In this format, a close friend or family member approaches the person by themselves. It’s important to start the conversation in a safe, neutral setting. Although it may seem more casual, it’s important to prepare what you’ll say in advance. You should also plan to follow up with them, to make sure they’re following through on any agreements you both made.
• Group Conversation: This is the classic intervention style you may be familiar with from the media. A group of people gather to talk to one person about their concerning behavior. The group should meet beforehand to plan together and set clear goals.
• Crisis Response: These conversations are normally unplanned. Instead, they happen after an emergency. When you can’t ignore the problem any more, you might have to confront your loved one without preparation. By the time you reach this point, paramedics or police officers may be present. This can make the situation feel more intense, but it may also give you direct access to more resources.

Choosing a Treatment Approach

You can also think about what type of format you’d like your conversation to follow. These styles work best during planned group conversations. They may be less appropriate for 1:1 interventions, or crisis interventions.

• The Johnson Intervention model⁶ is non-confrontational. Instead, family and friends communicate facts as simply as possible. You’ll take turns describing the effect your loved one’s addiction has on your own lives. An interventionist will help you plan the session, but it may be a surprise to the person you’re speaking to. With their help, you’ll present possible treatment options for the person to choose from.
• ARISE Interventions⁷ are invitational. In other words, your group will invite the person of concern to take part in every step of the process. This method is a gentler, more gradual alternative to the Johnson model. These interventions are led by professionals trained in the ARISE method.

With or without expert guidance, it can be hard to pick which format is best for you, your group, and your loved one. As you begin that process, you may find it helpful to set some clear goals. Once you have a destination in mind, you can decide which route you’ll take to get there.

Setting Clear Goals

It’s important for everyone in your group to agree on a specific goal. This will become the focal point of the intervention. And you may already know exactly what you’re working toward. If not, consider the following list of potential outcomes:

• The person acknowledges that their actions have caused harm.
• They admit that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
• They agree to talk to a professional, and get more information about treatment.
• The group schedules another meeting to discuss the situation further.
• The person checks into a rehab facility.

In most interventions, you’ll communicate your goals during the first meeting. If all goes well, your loved one will start working toward them right away. Because of this, it’s best to show up with resources in hand, so they can get started quickly.

Resources for Addiction Treatment

If the person you’re talking to is receptive, you can end the intervention by suggesting a path forward. These resources can help them move forward:

• information about how to get treatment using their insurance
• contact information for rehab programs that might meet their needs
• a doctor’s appointment with their primary care physician for the next day
• contact information for a medical detox center
• information about the medical leave policy at their job
• the meeting schedule for a local or online support group
• a person in the room who’s willing to help them research treatment options
• someone who can drive or accompany them to rehab
• a person to host or stay with them that night and provide emotional support
• a small group of people willing to clean their home before they return, getting rid of any drugs and drug paraphernalia

Depending on your situation, some of these resources may be more helpful than others. Whatever you decide to share, make sure you have a list prepared in advance. That way, you won’t have to take time out of the meeting to do research on the fly. You should also be ready to talk about the consequences if they don’t accept your help.

Defining Consequences

Ideally, your loved one will do as you ask. But at first, they might resist what you’re saying. It’s important to explain that there will be consequences if they refuse to get help. There are 2 reasons for this. First, doing this might convince your loved one to take action. And second, if they keep using drugs, it protects you from their behavior.

Any consequences you set should have these qualities:

• Enforceability. You should be able to follow through on your commitments. For example, it’s not realistic to say you’ll never speak to a roommate again. Even if you move out, there will be logistics to discuss.
• Proportionality. Any repercussions should fit the situation at hand. You’d respond one way to someone who shows up late to work, and another way to someone who threatens their family.
• Sense of safety. This process isn’t only for the person with an addiction. It should also help you keep yourself safe. Setting and enforcing healthy boundaries can empower you to meet your own needs.

After you define these goals and consequences, you can make more specific preparations. Use your big ideas to inform the details. You can use the checklist below to take the next steps.

Your Intervention Preparation Checklist

When you start planning, emotions may be running high. It’s best to write everything down, and refer to your notes if you get overwhelmed. Use this checklist to stay on track.

• Decide on a type of intervention. Will you hire an interventionist, or stage it yourself? If you’re working with a professional, get them involved as early as possible.
• Plan who will be present. If you want a group of people to be there, keep the number small. Everyone attending should help with the planning process.
• Choose a format. You can choose the Johnson method, the ARISE model, or something else that works better for you.
• Pick your location. You might meet in someone’s home, a therapist’s office, or another neutral location. It should feel as safe as possible for everyone attending.
• Rehearse what you’ll say. Plan what you’ll say in advance. This can help you avoid getting sidetracked or flustered. You might also look up words to avoid, like “alcoholic” and “junkie.”
• Manage expectations. Your loved one might respond well, or they might get angry. They might even walk out. If that happens, it’s up to you to follow through anyway. Hold your boundaries and keep yourself safe.
• Conduct the intervention. Many people find excuses to avoid difficult conversations. Don’t lose sight of your goal. Once you start planning, it’s important to go forward.
• Follow up. Enforce any consequences you set, no matter how the person responds. And unless you decide to cut off contact, someone should check in with them soon after your meeting.

1 intervention alone might not be enough to motivate change. And even if someone agrees to get help, they may not know where to start. To effectively support your loved one, your group might need to keep working together for some time.

Planning for Long-Term Recovery

Staging an intervention requires courage and preparation. Make sure to care for yourself throughout the process. You might want to see a therapist or join a support group. This meeting is just the first step in a much longer recovery journey. As you prepare for that process, remember that your mental health matters, too.

To plan for the next phase of recovery, learn more about inpatient rehab centers that treat drug and alcohol addiction. Get the information you need about pricing, family therapy, relapse prevention, and more.

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