Intervention Services from Costa Rica Recovery

People who are struggling with a substance use disorder often convince themselves that everything is under control¹. Even when their lives become unmanageable, they may deny the possibility that their problems are tied to their substance use. When a loved one is in denial, family and friends may need to unite through a formal intervention.

An intervention may be necessary for various addictions, including:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Prescription or street drug misuse
• Process disorders, like compulsive eating or gambling

An intervention gives your loved one a chance to accept help and make a change before things worsen ².

Costa Rica Recovery Can Help You Arrange an Intervention

At Costa Rica Recovery, we have a network of excellent interventionists who work throughout North & Central America, including Canada and the United States. Addiction professionals in these countries know that sending their clients to an immersive program like ours offers physical and emotional distance from the environment and people at home that may have contributed to their substance use. We are happy to connect you with one of the interventionists in our network if you call (866) 804-1793.

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a planned process that family and friends can undertake, often with a professional’s guidance. This could be a doctor, licensed counselor, or an interventionist. It may also include a member of your loved one’s faith community or other important individuals.

During the intervention, these people gather to confront the loved one, discuss the effects of their addiction, and ask them to accept a treatment plan. An intervention serves to:

• Provide specific examples of destructive behaviors and their impact.
• Present a well-defined treatment plan.
• Clearly outline the consequences if the loved one does not accept treatment.

How Does a Typical Intervention Work?

In an intervention, planning ahead is essential. An intervention typically involves several stages:

1. Make a plan and Contact an Interventionist: A family member or friend suggests an intervention and forms a group to carry the intervention out. Working with a qualified professional is highly recommended, as an intervention is an emotionally charged situation that can lead to anger and resentment if not handled correctly.
2. Gather Information: People in the group share the extent of their loved one’s problem with each other and the interventionist.
3. Decide on specific consequences: If the person with the addiction does not accept treatment, each team member needs to decide on a specific course of action. For example, you may decide to ask your loved one to move out. You must be prepared to follow through with the consequences you present.
4. Make notes on what to say: Each team member prepares to describe specific instances where the addiction caused problems. When discussing the toll of the loved one’s behavior, it is important to maintain a caring tone while still emphasizing the need for change. Your loved one cannot argue with factual accounts or your emotional response. Reading your part of the intervention off of a piece of paper is perfectly fine, and can you say what you want to say accurately in an emotionally charged situation.
5. Hold the intervention meeting: Without revealing the reason, the loved one is asked to come to the intervention location. Team members then take turns sharing their concerns and feelings. The loved one is offered a treatment option and is asked to accept it immediately. Each team member then states the specific actions they will take if the loved one does not accept the plan. Remember, only state the consequences that you are prepared to follow through on.
6.  Follow up: Involving family members and other key people is essential to helping someone with an addiction stay in treatment and avoid relapse. This can involve changes to daily routines, participating in counseling with them, and seeking your own support.

A successful intervention requires careful planning. A poorly executed intervention can worsen the situation, causing the loved one to feel attacked, isolated, or more resistant to help.

Working with an Addiction Professional

Engaging a professional, such as a certified interventionist, or a licensed counselor or psychologist, can help you organize an effective intervention. An addiction professional will suggest the most effective approach and guide you in selecting the right treatment and follow-up plan. While interventions can occur without a professional, having an expert’s guidance is often the best approach.

It is even more strongly recommended to have a professional present at the intervention if your loved one has a history of serious mental illness, violence, or suicide attempts.

Who Should be on the Intervention Team?

An intervention team should typically consist of 4 to 6 people who are significant in your loved one’s life. Individuals your loved one respects or rely on make good candidates for the intervention. This might include a close friend or adult family members. Your intervention services professional can help you determine the best people for your team.

You should not include anyone who your loved one dislikes, has their own problematic pattern of substance use, has an unmanaged mental health issue, or otherwise might disrupt the intervention. The focus must be on your loved one who you are intervening on to get treatment for their addiction.

How Do You Find A Treatment Program to Offer at the Intervention?

An interventionist or an addiction professional can help you assess the problem’s scope and recommend the right treatment options. Treatment can vary in intensity and setting, including hospital stays for more serious detoxifications.

If a specific treatment program is needed, it should be arranged in advance. When researching, keep these points in mind:

• Ask a trusted professional for recommendations.
• Contact national organizations or support groups for advice.
• Understand the admission process and wait times.
• If travel is required, make arrangements beforehand.

It may also be appropriate to ask your loved one to seek support from a group like Alcoholics Anonymous.

How Can You Help Make Sure an Intervention Succeeds?

Keep in mind that intense emotions are a part of your loved one’s addiction. The planning and execution of the intervention can cause conflict, anger, and resentment, even among family and friends.

To help an intervention succeed, consider these tips:

• Plan ahead. It’s better to make a good plan that takes some time to develop rather than risk a hurried and ineffective intervention.
• Choose the right time. Make sure your loved one is sober. Interventions are not recommended when a person is under the influence of intoxicants.
• Avoid major holidays. Major holidays and personal special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries tend to be already filled with emotion and stress.
• Do your research. Learn about your loved one’s addiction.
• Rehearse. Stage a practice intervention to prevent fumbling during the actual event.
• Anticipate objections. Have calm, rational responses prepared for any reasons your loved one might give.
• Avoid confrontation. Approach your loved one with love and respect, not anger.
• Stay focused. Diverting from the plan can quickly derail an intervention.
• Ask for an immediate decision. Do not allow your loved one time to think about the treatment offer.

What If Your Loved One Doesn’t Accept Help?

Unfortunately, not all interventions are successful. In some cases, your loved one may reject the treatment plan, become very angry, or insist they do not need help. It is important to prepare yourself emotionally for these possible outcomes. Do your best not to take a rejection personally. If your loved one doesn’t accept treatment, you must be ready to follow through with the consequences you presented.

You can’t control the behavior of your loved one, but you can remove yourself from a dangerous situation. Even if an intervention doesn’t work, you and others in your loved one’s life can still take steps to make some solid positive changes.

Contact Costa Rica Recovery for Help with Intervention or Addiction Treatment

Costa Rica, with its proximity to Canada and the U.S. and reputation for wellness, is an ideal location for drug treatment. The location allows for clients of our treatment center to receive “double the treatment at half the cost” when compared to U.S. or Canadian options.  The “Pura vida” culture is warm to newcomers, the abundant nature and wildlife create a peaceful environment conducive to healing. Costa Rica’s emphasis on mindfulness, simplicity, and connection to nature aligns perfectly with the principles of holistic recovery.

Call our admissions team at (866) 804-1793 to learn more about arranging for an intervention or getting immersive residential treatment for your loved one in Costa Rica.

1. Cleveland Clinic, “How to Help Someone with an Alcohol Addiction with Akhil Anand, MD,” available here.
2. Mayo Clinic, “Intervention: Help a Loved One Overcome Addiction,” available here