When is the Right Time to Hold an Intervention?

Updated: Jul 17, 2023

Staging an intervention for someone who is experiencing substance misuse or addiction is often the best way to help that person swiftly and safely transition into the treatment process. Essentially, an intervention:

Helps the person to see that drugs and alcohol have become a serious threat.
Identifies the misuse or addiction as a medical disorder.
Presents the option of immediate treatment.
Identifies what will change in the relationship at home and at work if the person refuses to get help.

This one event can be life-changing, not just for the person struggling with a substance use disorder, but for their entire family as well. But, when is the best time to stage an intervention in order to increase the chances of getting a positive outcome?

Timing

For every family, the ideal time to stage an intervention can vary based on different factors, including:

The ability of all participants to gather for both a planning session and the intervention itself.
When a spot has been secured in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.
When the person with the substance use disorder is available and sober.
When it is clear that the person’s life or quality of life is in danger.

The subject of drug rehab is rarely broached for the first time at an intervention. Typically, families have likely already suggested that the person enter drug or alcohol rehab, or at least go talk to a professional regarding their substance misuse. If it is clear that the person is struggling with an addiction and is continually facing extreme consequences as a result (yet is unable to stop using entirely or moderate their use of the substance of choice) then it is time to stage an intervention.

Watch our full lecture series with Robert Phillips, AAC’s intervention specialist and family facilitator.

Warning Signs

If things have been slowly progressing in terms of the severity of the person’s drug or alcohol misuse, it may not always be readily apparent that the time is right to stage an intervention. Some warning signs that can indicate when may be the best time to formally suggest treatment via an intervention can include the following:

The person experiences an acute health problem due to drug and/or alcohol use (e.g., overdose)
The person is arrested or is facing legal issues related to their behavior while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The person is struggling with increased mental health and/or medical symptoms due to ongoing substance misuse
The person harms themselves or someone else while under the influence (e.g., domestic violence, other physical or sexual assault, driving while intoxicated, etc.)
Family members have reached the end of their ability to justify the problems caused by the person’s ongoing addiction and need to make a change for their own mental and physical health

A hallmark of addiction is exhibiting both a physical and psychological dependence to drugs or alcohol. This generally manifests with extreme physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when without the substance of choice. It also means that the person prioritizes their substance misuse over everything else, no matter what damage it causes to themselves or others. When the need to use drugs or alcohol supersedes the mental and physical health of oneself and others, and the person is unable to stop using even if willing, then staging an intervention can be the next step.

Too Soon?

woman sad after an intervention was staged for her to get help with her addiction Some may be concerned that if they hold the intervention too soon that it may decrease the likelihood that it will work later on if the situation progresses. It is important to remember that f there is an addiction in progress, there is no such thing as “too soon.” Early treatment is always recommended because a less severe addiction is easier to treat and many patients have better outcomes (e.g., fewer relapses, if any, and a quicker return to abstinence after relapse).

Even if an intervention does not end with the person agreeing to seek immediate treatment, there is still value to creating positive momentum in their life. One of the components of an intervention is to state clearly how things will change if the person does not agree to go to rehab. Following through on that promise, whatever it may be (e.g., a spouse or roommate moving out, a person who previously provided financial support no longer doing so, etc.), can demonstrate to the person that not only is the support that previously enabled the addiction is no longer available, but also that addiction truly is causing the person to lose a great deal in life. In many cases, someone who initially refuses treatment at an intervention returns within weeks as a result of the removal of support from their friends and family.

‘Rock Bottom’

It is commonly said that an intervention or any addiction treatment will be effective only after the person hits “rock bottom.” Unfortunately, this puts concerned friends and family members in the position of attempting to gauge where the person is in their substance misuse or addiction and whether or not enough has been lost to constitute “rock bottom,” which can be very difficult. It is important to know that rock bottom is not necessarily an issue related to whether or not treatment is necessary.

The success one has in treatment will not be based on whether or not all has been lost. For example, some individuals who have hit rock bottom and indeed lost everything have entered treatment and still struggle with sobriety while others thrive. Each person is different and is going to have their own experiences. If it is clear that an addiction is present, then treatment is necessary, no matter how much damage has or has not been caused.

Addiction Treatment in Dallas, TX

If your loved one is struggling with addiction, you do not need to feel helpless. Though you cannot control whether or not someone living in addiction will agree to get help or remain sober once enrolled in treatment, you can make choices that protect your overall health and wellbeing, and contribute to your loved one’s ability to make positive decisions.

Reach out to our team at Greenhouse Treatment right now. We can connect you with one of our compassionate, experienced rehab admissions navigators who can answer all the questions you have, including those about paying for treatment, insurance coverage for rehab, and the levels of addiction treatment we provide.

Recovery is a journey, but with the right treatment and support, you and your loved one can start on the right foot. Get started today by filling out our secure online to have your insurance verified in minutes.

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