HealthyPlusno3Jan5 - Flipbook - Page 9
“The goal of an intervention
is to get the person help. But
you need to understand what’s
involved…you can’t just drop
them off at the doorstep of a
rehab on a Tuesday night.”
– Ralph Bennett, Emergency Department
Supervisor and Recovery House Project
Coordinator, Turning Point Center
someone to agree to get help and then have
people arguing about who is doing what. That’s
not conducive to moving things forward.”
Choosing your words wisely
When advising individuals preparing for an
intervention, Bennett emphasizes the need to
be controlled and positive with your words.
“It’s important to not be confrontive or
accusatory. You want to be assertive, but you
also want it to be clear that you’re speaking
from the heart. It’s helpful to have specific
examples of behaviors or actions that have
caused harm. This may include their history
of not showing up to work on Mondays,
missed events, an accounting of money
borrowed and not repaid, or even photos of
damage they’ve caused. The purpose of this
sharing is not to place blame but to illustrate
how their choices are negatively impacting
their relationships and quality of life overall.”
Bennett also cautions families and loved
ones hosting the intervention to be prepared
for resistance. “It’s not uncommon for
the individual with the SUD to respond to
an intervention with anger. You need to
brace yourself for that. But don’t let their
accusations or comments derail your effort,”
he says. “It helps to anticipate their objections
or reasons they won’t take responsibility for
their behavior or actions. As best you can,
come prepared with calm, rational response.
Know the signs
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Signs that someone is struggling with an SUD
oen include:
Secretive behavior
Avoiding contact with family or friends
Borrowing or stealing money
Aggressive behavior
Deterioration of physical appearance
Lack of energy or motivation
Problems at work or school
Health issues
Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, or giddiness
(continued)
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