Intervention

It can be one of the hardest things you ever do, but it can also often be the nudge that makes a lifesaving difference for loved one, friend or colleague.

Have a plan, enlist help, use compassion.

For the greatest chance of success, it’s important to first gather information about conducting an intervention, as well the treatment options in your community. 

Here are some additional resources to help you step in with a loved one:

• How to talk to a friend with a drinking problem 
• What should I say? (for young people)
• Suspect your teen is using drugs or drinking? A brief action guide for parents.

When someone won't get help.

Sometimes, a loved one won’t voluntarily get treatment for substance use disorder. In these cases, families may need to involve the judicial system.

Families shouldn’t feel discouraged if they have to force a loved one into treatment. Research shows that those coerced into treatment have recovery outcomes as good as or better than those who enter voluntarily.

SOURCE: http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/pdf/White/recovery_monograph_2008.pdf