Interventions

Supporting someone you care about when they are struggling with addiction can place you in an incredibly difficult position. You can see the harm it is causing, yet you may feel unsure about how to reach them in a way that actually helps. An intervention can bridge that gap. It gives you a structured moment to speak honestly with compassion and give your loved one a chance to recognise what is happening in their life.

What is an intervention?

An intervention is a planned conversation where people close to someone with an addiction express their concerns in a calm and supportive way. The intention is to help the person recognise how their behaviour is affecting themselves and those who care about them. It is not designed to criticise or overwhelm them; instead, it creates a moment where honesty and empathy can come together.

Some people struggling with addiction cannot see the full picture because they might be in denial or fear the consequences of acknowledging the problem. An intervention can help them hear the truth gently. It gives you a chance to show that support is available and that they do not have to face everything alone. This format can be particularly powerful when the person has been avoiding conversations about their behaviour in everyday situations.

Can an intervention be used for any addiction?

Interventions are not restricted to one type of addiction and can be used when someone is struggling with:

• Alcohol
• Prescription medication
• Illegal drugs
• Gambling
• Gaming
• Compulsive shopping

No matter what addiction is at play, the core aim remains the same: you want to help the person recognise that their behaviour is harmful and that change is possible.

When should an intervention be considered?

It can take time to recognise that a loved one needs help, and if it has, it’s not your fault. You might wonder whether the behaviour is a temporary reaction to stress or something more serious. You might also worry that raising the subject will push them away. These feelings are normal, and they show how much you care.

When you are unsure, stepping back to observe what you have been seeing can help. Asking yourself a few honest questions can make the picture clearer:

• Is the person continuing their behaviour even though it is damaging their entire life?
• Have they become secretive, defensive or dishonest when the subject is raised?
• Are relationships being affected because of their behaviour?
• Have you noticed any consequences, such as financial strain or emotional instability?
• Do they appear unable to stop despite attempts or promises to do so?

If you recognise any of these patterns, it may be time to consider an intervention and in the next section, we’ll explain what you should be doing and what you should avoid.

The do’s and don’ts of interventions

An intervention can be a turning point, but it needs thoughtful preparation. Emotions can run high, and the person may react in unexpected ways, meaning that approaching this process with care can reduce the chances of unwanted outcomes.

Do

✅ Plan ahead

Planning helps everyone involved to communicate clearly. When emotions rise, a rehearsed structure helps keep the conversation steady.

✅Choose supportive participants

People your loved one trusts can help them feel less threatened and more willing to listen.

✅Use calm and personal language

“I” statements soften the tone and reduce the feeling of blame. They help your loved one understand your emotional experience rather than feel attacked.

✅Share real examples

Clear examples make the concerns easier to understand and harder to dismiss.

✅Provide a possible next step

Having a treatment suggestion or further support option ready shows that your intention is to help, not criticise.

✅Be prepared for any response

Even if they say no, you have planted a seed. People often reflect on interventions long after the moment has passed.

❌ Don’t

❌ Don’t confront them while they are intoxicated

This can increase defensiveness, confusion and aggression, which leads to an unsafe environment.

❌ Don’t involve people they do not get along with

Existing conflict can unintentionally change the focus onto old issues rather than the addiction.

❌ Don’t shame or degrade them

Hurtful language can push someone further into denial or isolation.

❌ Don’t force a decision immediately

Pressure can close the person off. Giving them space to think can be more effective.

❌ Don’t give up after one attempt

An intervention is rarely a one-moment fix. It is part of a larger process of helping someone recognise what they are facing.

What should I do if the intervention wasn’t successful?

It can be painful when an intervention does not go the way you hoped. You may walk away feeling defeated or wondering if you made things worse. These reactions are common largely because most people who struggle with addiction find it difficult to hear honest feedback, even when it comes from a place of love.

If things did not go well, try to pause before reacting or assuming the situation is unsaveable. Give the person some space, and when you do talk to them, avoid apologising for expressing concern because your words came from care, not harm.

Remember that an unsuccessful intervention does not mean your loved one will never seek help. Many people later recall the moment someone tried to reach them and recognise it as one of the seeds that helped them move forward.

The intervention was successful – what happens next?

If the person accepts help, first and foremost, congratulations. You may have just helped in creating their first step in their recovery journey. But, before this begins, it’s crucial to act quickly and promptly, as the initial commitment can change quickly when fear or cravings to use again resurface. This is the moment to support them gently into the next stage of their recovery.

The next step might involve reaching out to addiction recovery specialists who can provide professional addiction rehab programmes. In some cases, they can provide transport to the rehab centre you chose in order to make sure that treatment begins as quickly as possible.  From there, you can feel safe knowing that your loved one is in safe hands while they undergo treatment towards becoming sober for life.

It can be difficult to let them go at this stage, even if their addiction causes so much harm to their own life and others around them. But know that by doing this, you may have just saved a life.

When you need additional support

Interventions are emotionally demanding and they can stir fear, frustration and uncertainty, even when you prepare carefully. If the situation feels too complex or you worry about safety or family dynamics, reaching out for professional support can be invaluable.

A trained intervention specialist can guide the process, help manage conflict and offer strategies that support both you and your loved one. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a responsible step that protects everyone involved.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next, consider reaching out to us for further intervention support. You deserve guidance through this and your loved one deserves the best chance at recognising the path toward recovery.