Addiction is a serious and complex condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Left untreated, addiction can quickly consume a person’s life. They may experience serious consequences to their physical and emotional wellbeing, face life-altering legal or financial trouble, and lose jobs and relationships.

Often, people in the grips of addiction may not recognize that they need treatment. If you love someone who struggles with addiction, you probably understand the anger, sadness, and frustration that comes from watching a loved one slip further into substance abuse.

If you have someone in your life who needs help, you may want to stage an intervention. Holding an intervention takes planning and preparation. Even with planning and care, an intervention can fail. If you are planning an intervention, it is important to understand the common reasons behind a failed intervention and how to avoid them. We’ve put together a list of things that could go wrong with an intervention for you to consider as you begin to plan.

With high-quality treatment, people can overcome addiction and avoid the worst of the consequences that often accompany this condition. However, finding the treatment you need and finding a way to pay for it can often feel so overwhelming that people give up on the idea of getting help. At Addiction Intervention, we work to connect people with addiction to the support and treatment they need.

Reason for a Failed Intervention #1: Lack of Planning

One of the most basic and common things that could go wrong during an intervention is failing to adequately plan for or practice it. All people who are involved in planning and holding the intervention should start by educating themselves about addiction, treatment, and recovery.

Understanding addiction helps in several ways. First, it gives people a basic knowledge about what services and programs are available in their community. Second, it helps concerned friends and family have realistic expectations about what to expect when their loved one is going through treatment. Lastly–and maybe most importantly–it can help them keep strong emotions like anger and sadness in check during the intervention.

When planning intervention, it is important to consider several things that can help it go smoothly. These include:

• Holding it in a time and location where you will have the privacy and time you need
• Having it at a time when your loved one is less likely to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Choosing only close friends and family to attend the intervention
• Planning who will speak and in what order
• Writing down your thoughts and feelings ahead of time so you can stay focused

Planning and intervention can be challenging and emotional. For the best chance at success, consider hiring a professional interventionist to help you plan and hold your intervention.

Reason for a Failed Intervention #2: Emotions Take Over

If you have someone in your life who is struggling with substance abuse and needs treatment, it can be hard to imagine how you might talk to them about your concern without pushing them away. It may also seem impossible to talk to your loved one without getting upset or angry–especially if they are not receptive to what you are saying.

It is important to stay calm and in control during an intervention. Your loved one may react with anger, sadness, or guilt, but the people holding the intervention must remain calm and supportive. It is important to avoid shame, blame, and anger. Staying calm helps keep the intervention focused on love, support, and a healthier future.

A professional interventionist can help your group plan and hold a calm, effective intervention. They will offer you the support and resources you need to manage your emotions and help your loved one before, during, and after the intervention.

Reason for a Failed Intervention #3: Intoxication, Refusal, or Rejection

People with addiction respond to interventions in different ways. Some are grateful for the show of support and make the life-saving choice to seek treatment. Others may get angry, feel embarrassed, or feel attacked. Careful planning and professional support can help prevent some of these negative reactions.

One of the most common things that could go wrong during an intervention is that your loved one may refuse to listen, reject your offer of treatment, or they may be intoxicated. In each of these cases, it is necessary to stop the intervention and make a plan to try again in the future.

Learn About Planning a Successful Intervention at Addiction Intervention

If you or someone you love are struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the knowledgeable addiction specialists at Addiction Intervention. Our dedicated staff will work with you to verify your insurance, determine what type of addiction treatment meets your needs, and find the right treatment center. Our goal is to make the process of getting treatment as easy as possible so you can focus on what matters the most–your healing and recovery.

To learn more about how we can help you start treatment today, call now for a risk-free, confidential assessment.