Intervention Strategies

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

A successful Intervention is based on three keys:

1) Common sense
2) Open and honest communication
3) Compassion

What to do and what not to do for intervention:

DO

Use a written outline or letter to organize your thoughts
Detail specific examples (no set number required) - These examples should be related directly to alcohol/drug use. Each example should describe:
a) What happened
b) When the episode occurred
c) Where the incident took place
d) Who was present
d) The impact it had on the observer

Prepare in advance a list of potential excuses and alibis, for the behavior, and be prepared to address them;

Have a specific plan of action worked out in advance, that you are going to ask the individual to follow:

a) Prepare a list of potential excuses and alibi, s and be prepared to address them

Be prepared to define clear expectations for how family, friends or the employer will deal with the individual if
he/she refuses to seek help;

Begin the letter with "The letter of Concern", a statement of the writer feels about the individual aside from the addiction

DON' T

Diagnose the person
Make threats that you are not prepared to follow though on
Forget that the individual is responsible for getting help