If your teen has a substance use problem and you have tried a variety of ways to get them help, you may now be considering an intervention. An intervention involves confronting your teen in hopes of changing their behavior and prompting them to seek treatment. Families often resort to interventions when they see their teen spiraling out of control, and they don’t know where else to turn. We’re going to take a closer look at how to conduct a teen drug intervention and how effective these interventions can be.
What Happens During a Drug Intervention?
During an intervention, friends and families work with a doctor or healthcare professional to get their loved one to talk about their addiction and accept treatment [1]. This can include talking about how the addiction has led to destructive behaviors. A clear treatment plan with steps and goals is also presented so your teen knows what will happen. During the intervention, your teen will also hear what their loved ones will do if they don’t accept treatment.
How Effective are Teen Drug Interventions?
While people with a substance abuse disorder are more likely to seek treatment after undergoing an intervention, it can be challenging to determine how impactful a teen drug intervention can be [2]. If someone enters treatment because they feel pressured and are not fully committed, they may not have the same success rate as someone who entered a program freely.
Some teens may get angry during an intervention and leave before the intervention process ends. This can damage relationships between family members and may not result in the intended result. Professional guidance can help defuse these types of problems and improve your chances of success.
How to Conduct a Teen Drug Intervention
Before you begin the intervention, you need to be prepared. This includes building your case with reasons why your teen needs help, as well as preparing your reaction to what they may say.
Once you’ve done this, you can get ready to conduct your intervention by taking these steps:
Contact a Professional for Help
During the intervention, a professional can help you handle emotions and present a treatment plan. They can lead the intervention so that you can get your desired outcome of getting your teen help.
Assemble Your Team
Invite friends and family members who are committed to helping your teen recover. Having a select few rather than a large group is more important. You don’t want your teen to feel like you’re ganging up on them. You also don’t want people there who are not invested in the process.
Select the Time, Date, and Location
Choose a time when your teen is sober, or at least relatively sober. You want them to have a clear thought process.
Look for a neutral location to hold your intervention. Some people avoid using their homes because it can feel overly emotional.
Have Everyone Read a Letter
Anyone involved and present at the intervention should prepare a short letter about how your teen’s substance abuse has affected them. Choose one person to lead the group, such as the professional you have with you. They will know how to conduct this part of the process so that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Be Prepared for a Variety of Reactions
Your teen may be grateful for your effort to help or resent you for it. Be prepared to deal with both types of reactions.
Have a Follow-up Plan
If your teen agrees to treatment, have a center on standby, ready to accept your teen before they change their mind. If they resist treatment, be prepared to set boundaries. This can include deciding not to support your teen financially if they don’t seek help or take other action. This can be one of the most complex parts of the process, but it is essential. It may be enough to change their mind, accept help, and save their life.
Seek Help for a Teen Substance Use Problem at Ember Recovery
When your teen is ready to seek treatment, Ember Recovery is here to help. Our residential programs for boys and girls are proven to be effective in getting teens on the path to sobriety. Call us today to learn more about how our programs can help your teen.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451 [2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201408/drug-and-alcohol-interventions-do-they-work
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.