If you have someone with whom you are close, a friend or family, and they are struggling with addiction, you might be asked to join an intervention, or you might be in charge of an intervention.
An intervention is an opportunity for friends and family to come together and discuss the ways in which addiction has impacted them in their relationships to the individual and urge the individual to get help. During an intervention, participants go around the room reading a letter they have written to the individual.
How to Write an Intervention Letter
If you have been asked to write such a letter, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The most important thing is to understand that there is no right or wrong way to write an intervention letter. But, before you start the writing process, take some time to put yourself in the shoes of your loved one, and consider things from their perspective.
Remember, too, that what you write can be more of a guide; it doesn’t have to be something that you read word for word.
Tip #1
Be compassionate when you start your letter. The beginning is when you are first speaking to your loved one and you need to catch their attention in a way that supports them.
They may find the intervention of putting, feeling as though they are being attacked, so starting with compassion can help remind them of the relationship you have and how they have been there for you before addiction.
For example:
Mom, I know that you have always loved me. You were there for me at every school play and every softball game. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be the hard worker that I am today. You always taught me that I need to rely on others in order to get a job done well and that while I certainly can do things alone, I don’t have to. You gave me the confidence I needed to find a career that I loved and to work with my coworkers the same way I would members of my softball team or other people in a play.
Tip #2
Be clear about the impact that their substance abuse has had on you with at least one specific example. Use tangible details, but avoid any words or phrases that might make your loved one feel as though they need to defend themselves or they are under attack.
For example:
Mom, for the last few years, it has been really hard to talk to you. I feel like I can’t connect to the woman who raised me. When I call to check in, you are intoxicated. On the phone, you are slurring your speech, you’re not really paying attention to what we’re talking about, and you don’t even remember that I called you at the same time last week. Sometimes, you are so drunk you don’t really know who you are talking to.
Tip #3
Reinforce that you are coming at this from a place of compassion by taking time to explain to your loved one that you have put yourself in their shoes and that you understand, at least to some degree, a bit more about addiction.
For example:
I took a lot of online classes from doctors and psychiatrists so that I could try and understand why you were doing the things you were doing and whether or not I could have my mom back. I realized that dependence and addiction are actually a disease, and it has nothing to do with your ability to just quit whenever you want. It is something that requires professional medical treatment.
Tip #4:
End your statement reinforcing your love for that person, explaining what types of services you want them to receive and why, and reinforcing that you are here to support them.
Tip #5
When you are done writing your draft, have someone else look it over. While you might not think that certain words or phrases come across as particularly aggressive or confrontational, another set of eyes can help you find ways to soften what it is you are trying to say without detracting from the impact.
Getting Help with Interventions
If you need help with an intervention, specifically finding a luxury addiction treatment center for your loved one, The Differents can help. We offer services like:
- Withdrawal management
- PHP
- IOP
- Dual diagnosis care
A big part of our focus is having a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio. Why? We want to make sure each client gets the personalized focus and care they deserve, something that is best achieved with lower ratios.
Our staff have personal experiences with addiction treatment, so they understand things that others might not. When you recommend our services as part of your intervention letter or help a loved one start care with us, you will notice the difference right away.
That’s why we are “the differents” with our holistic treatment, outdoor therapy, IV infusions, motivational interviewing, MeRT/TMS, and energy work.
Reach out today at (844) 407-0461 to learn more about writing an intervention letter and finding personalized addiction treatment.
