An intervention can be a pivotal moment in the journey towards recovery from addiction. It represents a powerful and caring effort to help a loved one acknowledge their struggles and accept the need for professional help. That said, the work does not end with the intervention itself. After the intervention, the focus shifts to providing ongoing support, fostering a nurturing environment, and helping the person navigate the path to recovery. In this guide, we will explore what to do after an intervention to ensure the best chances of sustained recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism.
Intervention Follow-Up
The completion of an intervention marks the beginning of a significant transformational journey for your loved one. The work doesn’t end with the intervention itself, though. Developing a structured and thoughtful follow-up plan will maximize the chances of success and ongoing sobriety,. Follow-up involves providing ongoing support, staying involved in your loved one’s recovery process, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. Consider these actionable steps during the intervention follow-up:
- Transition to treatment: Immediately after the intervention, it’s imperative that you facilitate a seamless transition into the chosen treatment program. Whether it’s an inpatient rehab program, outpatient treatment, or peer support groups, ensure that your loved one has the necessary resources and arrangements to start treatment promptly.
- Support throughout treatment: Remain actively involved in your loved one’s treatment journey. Attend family therapy sessions if offered, participate in support groups for families of individuals with addiction, and communicate regularly with treatment professionals. Your support can strengthen your loved one’s resolve and sense of accountability.
- Create a supportive environment: Make necessary adjustments at home to create a supportive and substance-free environment for your loved one. Remove any substances that may trigger cravings and promote healthy habits and routines that encourage positive change.
- Encourage ongoing therapy: Encourage your loved one to continue therapy or counseling sessions even after completing a formal treatment program. Recovery is an ongoing process, and engaging with therapy can provide valuable guidance and coping strategies.
- Address underlying issues: Addiction often co-occurs with mental health issues or unresolved traumas. Make sure that your loved one receives appropriate treatment for any underlying conditions. Addressing these issues will streamline achieving and maintaining long-term recovery.
- Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your loved one’s milestones and achievements throughout their recovery journey. Celebrating progress reinforces positive behavior and provides encouragement to keep moving forward, even if the journey is not always linear.
- Be vigilant for signs of relapse: While progress is being made, remain vigilant for signs of relapse. Relapses are common in addiction recovery, and early detection can prevent relapse from derailing recovery. Stay connected with your loved one and be prepared to seek additional support if it proves necessary.
- Continue your support: Recovery is a lifelong journey, and your ongoing support is instrumental. Be there for your loved one during challenging times, and continue to express your love, understanding, and belief in their ability to maintain sobriety.
- Educate yourself: Keep educating yourself about addiction and recovery to better understand the challenges your loved one may face. Knowledge empowers you to provide informed and compassionate support.
- Practice self-care: As you support your loved one’s recovery, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being, and seek support from others or professional services if needed.
Plan for Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a complex and challenging process that calls for careful planning and support. After an intervention, develop a comprehensive plan for recovery to guide your loved one’s journey towards sobriety and overall well-being. A well-crafted recovery plan accounts for individual needs, addresses potential obstacles, and provides a roadmap for sustained progress.
Following these steps can help guide you in planning for recovery for a loved one struggling with substance abuse:
- Each person has a unique recovery journey. Consider your loved one’s specific needs, the nature of their addiction, any co-occurring conditions, and their personal strengths and preferences. Tailor the treatment approach accordingly, whether it involves residential rehab, outpatient counseling, therapy, or a combination of interventions.
- Work with your loved one and treatment professionals to set clear and realistic goals, both short-term and long-term. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound – SMART goals. Having well-defined objectives provides motivation and direction throughout the recovery process.
- Building a strong support network is crucial for sustaining recovery. Engage family members, close friends, and supportive peers who can provide encouragement and accountability. Encourage your loved one to participate in support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous), where they can connect with others on a similar path.
- Addiction recovery involves facing various challenges, stressors, and triggers. Work with your loved one to develop healthy coping strategies to handle difficult emotions and situations without resorting to substance use. Encourage activities like mindfulness, meditation, exercise, or creative pursuits such as art, writing, or music.
- Oftentimes, addiction is accompanied by underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Ensure that your loved one receives appropriate treatment for any co-occurring disorders, as untreated mental health issues can hinder recovery progress.
- A healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in supporting recovery. Encourage your loved one to adopt nutritious eating habits, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Avoiding substances like alcohol and engaging in positive activities can further reinforce their commitment to sobriety.
- Set clear boundaries with your loved one regarding substance use and unacceptable behavior. Establish consequences for relapse or violations of the agreement and be consistent in enforcing them. Boundaries provide structure and accountability.
- Monitor your loved one’s progress regularly, tweaking the recovery plan as needed. Celebrate successes, identify areas for improvement, and encourage ongoing self-reflection and growth.
The journey to recovery doesn’t end with formal treatment. Encourage access to aftercare services like continuing therapy, outpatient programs, or sober living arrangements. Continuing support will consolidate sobriety and help prevent relapse. Offer positive reinforcement and praise for your loved one’s efforts and achievements in their recovery journey. Encouragement and support can boost their self-esteem and motivation to continue working towards their goals.
FAQs
What is the success rate of intervention?
The success rate of interventions can vary depending factors like the individual’s willingness to accept help and the effectiveness of the intervention process. On average, professionally facilitated interventions have a success rate of around 90%, meaning the person agrees to seek treatment.
How do I stage an intervention?
To stage an intervention, first consult with an intervention specialist or addiction professional.
Next, form an intervention team of supportive and caring individuals. Gather information about the person’s addiction and treatment options. Rehearse speeches and plan what to say during the intervention. Choose a familiar and non-threatening meeting place. Finally, meet with the person and express your concerns, offering a treatment plan.
What are successful interventions?
Successful interventions are those that lead to the individual with a substance use disorder or addiction accepting help and agreeing to enter into a treatment program. Additionally, successful interventions foster open communication, empathy, and a clear path to recovery for the individual.
What is the ultimate goal of intervention?
The ultimate goal of intervention is to motivate the person struggling with addiction to recognize the negative impact of their behavior, accept help, and commit to entering a treatment program. The intervention aims to initiate positive change and set the person on the path to recovery and a healthier life.
Connect Your Loved One with Addiction Treatment
If your loved one has agreed to engage in treatment, we specialize in treating all types of addictions and mental health disorders at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. Our pet-friendly and inclusive treatment facilities in Long Beach and Newport Beach, CA provide a safe and supportive environment in which your loved one can kickstart their recovery from addiction to alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs.
After an intervention, your loved one can begin treatment with a supervised medical detox. They can access medications and continuous care to streamline the intensity of drug or alcohol withdrawal while addressing the issue of physical dependence. After a week or so, they can transition into ongoing inpatient treatment that involves a personalized combination of the following therapies:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Psychotherapy (CBT and DBT)
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Aftercare planning and support
Call 800-994-2184 when your loved one is ready to engage with addiction treatment in Southern California.
