If you are a parent of an adult child suffering from a mental health issue or struggling with drug use, it may be time for you to consider an intervention for your child. Holding an intervention can be difficult, but preparing for the event can be crucial to a successful intervention.
In fact, there are numerous ways in which you can not only prepare for an intervention but also support your adult child on their road to recovery.
Research Substance Abuse & Mental Illness
To first hold an intervention, you’ll want to better understand substance use disorders and mental health disorders. As you learn more about drug addiction and mental illness, you can bring this newfound knowledge to the intervention meeting.
By researching these topics, you can become more familiar with terminology associated with these issues. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide excellent resources to assist those seeking to hold an intervention.
Create An Intervention Team
To stage an adult intervention, you must first build the foundation and create an intervention team. Friends and family members of your adult child may want to participate, showing your child that they are part of the necessary support network they will need when seeking treatment.
Intervention teams can vary from individual to individual, but consider any loved ones who may be of assistance or want to contribute.
Schedule An Appropriate Time
When holding an intervention, be sure to schedule a time which is appropriate for the intervention team as well as your adult child.
For example, if you know your child’s work schedule, be sure to ask your child to meet you at a time which will not interfere with his or her job.
Additionally, make sure all participants can agree on a time and arrive promptly so no distractions take place during the intervention.
Write A List Of Topics To Discuss
To be better prepared during the intervention for your adult child, bring notes and reputable resources with you. If your child suffers from mental health issues, an intervention can be a form of suicide prevention.
Ask your adult child questions and listen to their concerns. If an emergency occurs or the intervention is interrupted unexpectedly, set up a follow-up time you and the intervention team can meet with your child.
Throughout the discussion, do not become confrontational. Simply ask questions, speak gently, and show your child they have your full support. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), words matter when discussing such sensitive topics.
Discuss the sensitivity of topics with the intervention team before beginning the intervention.
Seek A Professional Interventionist
If you would like crisis intervention services to intervene and assist you during the intervention process, you can find a professional interventionist who can assist you. A healthcare professional may provide a referral for you.
A social worker or licensed mental health professional can also offer educational services and resources. If you are the caregiver of your adult child, professionals can educate you on ways to help your child maintain sobriety.
Professional Addiction Treatment
If your adult child agrees to attend a treatment center for their mental illness or substance use disorder, there are numerous treatment programs available at Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. At our rehab center, we offer a variety of treatment options:
- evidence-based care
- short-term and long-term support
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- dual diagnosis treatment
- specialized therapy options
Speak with one of our clinicians today to learn which treatments are best suited for your adult child.
People Also Read:
- Mental Health Myths & Facts
- How Alcohol & Drug Misuse Affects Mental Health
- Family Support Groups For Addiction & Mental Health
- 5 Signs Your Loved One Is Self-Medicating With Drugs & Alcohol
Sources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Family Members and Caregivers
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Time to Start Talking About Pre-Addiction
- British Psychological Society – Intervention for Adults
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – How to Talk to Someone About Getting Help