Alcohol Addiction Intervention 

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John Gillen - Last Updated: March 30, 2022

Last reviewed: March 30, 2022 by Dr Alexander Lapa. All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

What is alcohol addiction?Helping a family member or friend through alcoholism can be more than disabling their habits. Whilst offering day-to-day support, delivering an alcohol-free space, and providing a listening ear are all helpful steps.

For many addicts, it can be very difficult to take action, withdraw from and quit alcohol, especially whilst alone. Some will be in denial, others will be overshadowed by symptoms, and others will feel lonely with nowhere to turn.

Most addiction diagnoses and recovery processes are recognised and acted upon by the loved ones of an addict. Through an alcohol addiction intervention, the concern can be shared, planning can take place and motivation can increase.

If you are supporting a loved one yet have failed to promote alcohol rehab as a solid option, arranging and staging an intervention will be encouraged. Here’s all you need to know about an alcohol addiction intervention, from its benefits and purpose to staging a successful intervention.

At Rehab Clinics Group we are here to offer support for all parties through referrals, interventions, rehab programmes and aftercare services. Reach out for our guidance, no matter how challenging this time may be.

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What is alcohol addiction?

Alcohol is a heavily addictive substance. Whilst it is legal to purchase and consume, it is also a hazardous drug.

As alcohol consumption is normalised, it is overlooked as a possible trigger. Yet for some people, susceptibilities of addiction will be greater, which can be driven by the positive effects of alcohol exposure.

There are many different reasons why an alcohol addiction can develop. Environments, previous trauma, pre-existing mental health issues, chronic stress, genetic influences, and social pressures are some of the most common causes.

For most alcoholics, the relaxing effects that alcohol produces, by slowing down the body and brain, will be craved. Others will long for the reward that consumption will offer. Whilst others will use alcohol as a coping strategy, to escape from day-to-day stress and pain.

Alcohol addiction is a serious brain condition that will continue to relapse, aggravate health, and cause many unbearable consequences unless treatment is completed. For those who live in denial or struggle to take action, alcohol addiction intervention will be the first step towards recovery.

 

What is an intervention?

Can An Intervention WorkAn intervention is an orchestrated, pre-planned process that has the end goal of motivating addiction recovery. It brings together family members and friends to create a united support network. An alcohol addiction intervention will be arranged to increase the acceptance of alcohol rehab.

For most families, an intervention will be the last chance to intervene. Previous personal attempts may have been made yet failed to motivate sobriety and the necessary treatments to reach such a goal.

An intervention is also the only chance that many support networks will have to share their mutual concerns regarding alcoholism.

Delivered through a face-to-face, private setting, an intervention is designed to increase the realism of addiction. Many addicts will deny their problems or will be unaware of the seriousness of their habits. An alcohol addiction intervention is a serious step, to indicate the need for treatment.

As an intervention must be pre-planned, there are many factors to consider in order to lead a successful intervention. Arranging and staging an intervention with professional input will be recommended.

 

When should I conduct an intervention?

An intervention should be conducted once full awareness is present of an alcohol problem. Without full awareness, an intervention may damage relationships and trust. With this in mind, you should have hard evidence that alcohol is a problematic substance for a loved one.

It’s also wise to arrange an intervention in the event that all else has failed. Some addicts will respond better to a one-to-one meeting, rather than a family-led intervention. An addiction intervention should be seen as the most serious step to take if other attempts have fallen through.

Conducting an intervention at a time where all essential parties are available, are sober and are fully committed to the process will be important. The right dynamic of people and feelings can help to increase the success of an alcohol addiction intervention.

Interventions are mostly relied upon when alcohol problems are becoming a deterrent to life. Stepping in and discussing something so personal and sensitive will be a necessity when the quality of life is reducing. If alcohol problems are minimal, less serious steps are encouraged as a starting point.

 

Staging an intervention

To stage an influential intervention, you will need to plan, be fully aware of what’s ahead, and also be patient. An intervention can be highly impactful and can result in immediate acceptance. Yet such a demanding process can also fail, can take a long time to accept, or can result in further problems.

From planning an intervention and bringing the right people together, to prepare for life after an intervention, the staging process is thorough and should be committed to.

 

How to plan an intervention

Planning an intervention will take some time. You’ll need to select the right time that will work for all parties. You’ll need to pick the right people to support the intervention process. You’ll need a suitable environment to host the intervention. You’ll also need to plan the contents of your intervention, from what you’ll say to how you’ll approach the topic of alcohol rehab. Here’s a checklist to follow whilst planning an alcohol addiction intervention:

  • Time: You should select a time that works for all parties, making sure that the essential people are available. Considering your attempts this far will also be important, to make sure that an intervention is an appropriate next step.
  • People: You’ll want a strong mix of family members and friends whilst holding an intervention. Those with positive relationships, those who can be trusted, and those who do not enable alcohol exposure should be included.
  • Location: You’ll want a private, neutral setting to hold your intervention from. It must be a comfortable yet distraction-free environment.
  • Contents: You should plan your goals, intentions and aims prior to staging an intervention. You should write down your mutual concerns and consider the angle that you will take whilst approaching your loved one.
  • Awareness: You should be aware of possible outcomes, from a successful rehab admission to a complete pushback. Being patient, persistent and fully supportive is important.
  • Support: In case of a successful intervention, you’ll need to make sure that a space is available at your chosen rehab clinic. Reaching out for professional support will be recommended.
  • Practice: Prior to staging an alcohol addiction intervention, you should practice through the process. All parties should be prepared and should feel confident with what’s ahead.

 

What happens during an intervention?

Are alcoholism and drug addictions disabilities?An intervention is a form of talking therapy, which is held in a group format. It is an opportunity to share your concerns regarding alcohol abuse and addiction. It’s a united effort to motivate the acceptance of rehab and the need for addiction treatment.

Following your plan, you’ll work through your concerns, by sharing your true feelings. It is important to keep calm and on track, to avoid any outbursts. Although there is a chance that conflict may be experienced whilst discussing the sensitivity of alcoholism.

The structure of intervention will provide each party with the chance to open up and make their case for rehab.  Promoting treatment and its accessibility will also occur throughout an intervention.

 

What happens after an intervention?

Once an intervention has finished, it can go either one of two ways. Some will be unsuccessful whilst motivating instant results. In the event of backlash, it is important to remain patient, keep on board and continue to disable any habits.

Some will be successful, helping their loved ones see the need to enter treatment. In the event of acceptance, an admissions process can follow, followed by the start of treatment. This is why it is important to be prepared with a treatment provider, as the process can advance very quickly post-intervention. Various treatment services will then be worked through to alcohol detox, stabilise and plan for long-term recovery.

 

How we can help

At Rehab Clinics Group we can help you plan for, stage and work through an alcohol addiction intervention by providing advice and guidance. We’re also fully equipped to mediate and to offer immediate treatment following a referral.

Offering private rehab programmes via our group of leading treatment centres, we can help all parties through addiction recovery. Reach out for advice on approaching the idea of an intervention.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is it time for an intervention?

    If you’ve been witnessing a family member or friend abuse alcohol, and also unwelcome any form of support/treatment, an intervention will be an appropriate next step. An intervention is recommended to share concerns, unite a support network and motivate acceptance. It’s important to be patient, as an intervention can take some time to arrange and to also benefit from. An intervention will not guarantee full acceptance. Yet it will increase the chances, best to complete will planning.
  • What happens after the intervention?

    The aim of an intervention, for most people, will be to increase the acceptance of rehab, treatment, and sobriety. For some, an intervention will be unsuccessful, requiring further support and motivation. For others, an intervention will be successful, which will be followed by an immediate admission into alcohol rehab. Alcohol rehab will offer the treatments and tools to withdraw, recover and rebuild. Detoxification, addiction therapy, relapse prevention planning and aftercare will all be offered. To progress to this pace, it is important to have a treatment provider lined up, to take action post-intervention.
  • How beneficial is residential rehab?

    Residential rehab is the most beneficial way to experience addiction treatment and support. It offers a residential stay, mostly arrangeable over a 4-week period. A comprehensive rehab programme can be completed through inpatient rehab, observed on a 24/7 basis, and encouraged by medical professionals. Rehab facilities are also equipped to act as a home from home, and an escape from alcohol, whilst recovering.
Dr Alexander Lapa - Psychiatrist & Clinical Reviewer for Rehab Clinics Group

Dr Alexander Lapa - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: March 30, 2022

MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified

Dr Lapa graduated in Medicine in 2000 and since this time has accrued much experience working in the widest range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds in inpatient, community and secure settings. This has been aligned to continuation of professional development at postgraduate level in clinical research which has been very closely related to the everyday clinical practice conducted by this practitioner as a NHS and Private Psychiatrist.
He is fully indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.

Dr Lapa is approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (1983)

Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures