When an alcoholic's very health and well-being is in danger, sometimes the only option left to the family is a well-planned intervention.

Difficulty Level: hard      Time Required: weeks

1. Contact a alcohol and drug treatment professional with a established track record of successful interventions.
2. Make a list of key family members, friends, co-workers and employers to take part in the planning and intervention.
3. Meet with professional counselor to discuss and evaluate the situation honestly.
4. Discuss barriers and difficulties that have been a hindrance to seeking help in the past.
5. Plan the actual intervention, rehearsing what each person in the group will say to the alcoholic/addict.
6. Schedule the actual intervention at a time when the addicted family member will be available and hopefully sober.
7. Confront the alcoholic in a loving but honest manner, letting him know that his drinking is effecting more than just himself.
   

1. Interventions can back-fire and cause more problems than they provide solutions. Don't attempt one without advice from a trained professional.
   
   

Related Features:

• Family Interventions
• The Potential Dangers
• Support for Families
• Why do I need help? He's the alcoholic!