When someone is struggling with addiction, their friends and family may feel powerless to help.

In some cases, people resort to staging an intervention, a situation where loved ones create a safe space to confront the person about their addiction and ask them to seek help. While interventions can be helpful and create a pathway for treatment, many people shy away from them because they can be confrontational and uncomfortable for everyone involved. However, there are ways to avoid the need for an intervention altogether.

In this article, we’ll explore the secret to helping someone with addiction before an intervention is necessary.

Understand the Warning Signs

When someone is going through addiction, they may not even realize it. Others may be in denial, not wanting to admit that there is a problem.

The first step in avoiding an intervention is recognizing the warning signs of addiction so that you can get help before the situation becomes too dire. Some common signs include:.

Changes in behavior, such as becoming isolated or missing work or school
Mood swings, irritability or agitation
Physical changes, such as rapid weight loss or weight gain
Psychological changes, such as anxiety or depression
Financial issues, such as borrowing money or stealing
Legal issues, such as arrests for drug or alcohol-related offenses

Start a Conversation

Once you’ve recognized that someone is struggling with addiction, the next step is to start a conversation. This can be tricky because people may be defensive or feel judged.

It’s important to approach the conversation from a place of compassion and express your concern for their wellbeing. Here are some tips:.

Choose a safe space and time. Approach them when they’re sober, and choose somewhere private and relaxed.
Start with a positive statement. For example, you could say, “I’ve noticed how hard you’ve been working lately, and I’m proud of you for that. I wanted to talk to you about how you’re doing overall.”
Avoid judgment. Use “I” statements and don’t blame or criticize them. For example, say, “I’m worried about you,” instead of “You’re causing problems.”
Express hope. End on a positive note, and express the hope that they can get help and recover from their addiction. Let them know that you’ll be there to support them.

Encourage Professional Help

While it’s important to have supportive loved ones during addiction recovery, professional help is necessary for long-term success. Encourage your loved one to seek professional treatment, and offer to help them find resources.

There are many different types of treatment available, including:.

Detox programs, where a person can rid their body of the drug or alcohol in a medically supervised setting
Inpatient rehabilitation, where someone stays at a facility and receives 24/7 care and support
Outpatient treatment, which offers counseling and other services on an outpatient basis
Therapy and counseling, which can address underlying causes and provide coping strategies and tools for recovery
Spiritual or faith-based programs, which may incorporate religion or spirituality into treatment

Offer Support and Encouragement

Recovering from addiction is a long and difficult journey, and your loved one will need your support and encouragement. This can take different forms, depending on their needs and circumstances, but common forms of support include:.

Being there to listen and offer emotional support
Helping to find resources and attend appointments
Offering assistance with practical matters, such as childcare or transportation
Participating in support groups or family therapy
Encouraging healthy habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep
Offering praise and positive reinforcement for progress made

Set Boundaries

While it’s important to be supportive, it’s also important to set boundaries and take care of yourself. Addiction can take a toll on those who love someone who is struggling, and it’s okay to say no or take a step back if you need to.

Here are some examples of healthy boundaries:.

Refusing to lend money or bail someone out of legal trouble
Taking time for yourself, such as engaging in hobbies or self-care
Refusing to enable destructive behavior, such as covering up for alcohol or drug use
Setting limits on how much you can help, such as only being available during certain hours
Communicating your boundaries clearly and respectfully

Conclusion

Addiction is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

However, by recognizing the warning signs of addiction, approaching the issue with compassion and empathy, encouraging professional help, offering support and encouragement, and setting boundaries, you can avoid the need for an intervention and help your loved one on the road to recovery.