When to Plan an Intervention

This step is normally taken when other efforts to change the person's drinking behavior have failed. Ideally, this intervention should be led by an intervention specialist who is trained in this area. A time and date for the intervention are established and family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers gather at the appointed time and place. The person for whom the intervention is being held is usually not made aware of these plans. This group of concerned people then confronts the person who is abusing alcohol, informing him/her in their own words how the drinking behavior is affecting their lives and relationships. These interventions can be quite emotional for all parties involved.

Frequently the person for whom the intervention is being held is angry and defensive, especially at first. Shouting and tears are common. The goal is to make the person understand that his/her drinking behavior is out of control, is negatively affecting all aspects of his/her life and that s/he must take steps to change the behavior. If the intervention is successful, the person will agree to start treatment for his/her drinking problem right away. The intervention specialist should have a plan in place to begin the rehabilitation immediately, once the person has agreed to it.