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Addiction recovery is a long, hard battle for both the person fighting the disease and his loved ones. In fact, the first step in the journey toward recovery is often initiated by the addict's loved ones – in the form of intervention. If successfully orchestrated, the intervention will lead to the addict receiving the help he so desperately needs.

Preparing for an Intervention

An intervention should be performed as soon as possible in order to help an addict recover from his disease. Friends and family should never wait until the addict reaches rock bottom.

By then, it may be too late. The devastating effects of addiction, such as financial ruin, loss of family, and even imprisonment may have already taken hold of the addict's life. The sooner the intervention occurs, the more pain and suffering can be avoided.

An intervention is one-way family and friends can convince the person they love to seek the help he so desperately needs. In order to successfully facilitate an intervention, the family and friends need to first learn how to communicate in a language the addict can understand.

This language includes being completely honest with the person suffering from an addiction. Speaking openly and honestly with the person about the effects his addiction is having on those around him is often the eye-opener the person needs in order to see clearly enough to accept help.

You can locate an interventionist using the directory of  Interventionists. You can check this out if you are looking for a drug interventionist in New Jersey.

Structure of the Intervention

There is no magic number of people needed to orchestrate a successful intervention. In addition to an interventionist, there can be as few as one additional person or as many as six to eight. What is critical is that each of the participants is someone the addict either loves or respects.

Potential members of the intervention team are family and friends, as well as teachers, clergy, lawyers, and doctors. Anyone that might have an impact on the addict's thinking and emotions should be included in the intervention.

There are several key elements to a successful intervention:

1. Provide a sufficient opportunity for all family members and loved ones to voice their concern over the addict's behavior in a passionate and loving manner

2. Provide information/education on the nature of addiction

3. Discuss the enabling behavior that has occurred during the progression of the disease

4. Direct the addict, and perhaps family members, to treatment.

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