The longer you keep any habit, the harder it is to break. This is why when dealing with addiction, early intervention is key. Today we’ll be taking a closer look at interventions, particularly workplace interventions, and how to successfully stage an early intervention.

How Early Interventions Succeed

Early interventions succeed more often than interventions that happen later on—why is that? Substance abuse disorder is a disease. Just like any other disease, the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner you can plan for treatment. Unlike other diseases, it can be a condition the affected person is unaware they’re suffering from.

Early Awareness

It can be difficult sometimes to fully appreciate the consequences of one’s actions, especially when drugs or alcohol are concerned. They may not notice past negative consequences their addiction caused, or still be making justifications or excuses for them. An intervention could be a wake-up call for this person realizing they have a drug or alcohol problem.

Earlier Access to Educational Resources

Some people struggling with substance abuse may know they have a problem, but not know what to do about it. They may not know what resources are available or what people will do to support their recovery. An early intervention can give the information needed as early as possible to make an informed decision towards recovery.

Lessened Withdrawal and Side Effects

Lastly, the longer you use a substance, the more residuals will be in your system, especially if abusing it regularly. This can lead to more intense withdrawals as the body reacts to the change. So, the earlier you reach out, the less chance they’ve had to reach this degree of addiction.

What is an Intervention? The Intervention Definition

Before going into deeper detail on the process itself, you may be wondering: what is an intervention? An intervention is defined as a carefully planned meeting, often alongside a doctor or licensed drug counselor. A skilled interventionist may be responsible for leading the intervention, as well.

5 Tips for Workplace Interventions

Now that you know the value of an early intervention, you know the perfect time to stage workplace interventions for a coworker. With the “when” and “where” in mind, what steps can you take to help guarantee a successful intervention? Here are some tips to consider when planning your next workplace intervention.

Assemble Your Team

An intervention team is usually made up of 4 to 6 people important to the loved one’s life. This can include friends, relatives, members of their faith community, or coworkers. An intervention professional can help you figure out who should be on the team.

Don’t include anyone who might interfere with the intervention. This includes people the coworker doesn’t like, people with unmanaged substance abuse issues, or people who might easily go off-script.

Take the Time to Plan it Out

It can take several weeks to plan and hold an effective intervention. Be careful to avoid overplanning, especially depending on multiple people to follow through. Choose a date and time when the subject is least likely to be under the influence.

Do the Research

Make sure you have examples ready of how addiction or substance abuse has negatively impacted your loved one’s life. Similarly, think of examples of why you care for this person and believe they can beat this addiction.

Expect Objections

It’s difficult to admit you have a problem, especially a socially stigmatized one like substance abuse disorder. Have calm and rational responses ready if the intervention’s subject is unwilling to take responsibility or has excuses for it. Offer them support, and let them know they don’t have to face this alone. Consider reasonable steps for support, like arranging for childcare or accompanying them to counseling sessions.

Ask for a Decision Right Away

The person you care about may ask for time to think about getting help for their substance abuse problem. While it’s tempting to give it to them, don’t give it to them. They may use that time to come up with justifications or excuses to deny the issue. Or worse, they might try to go into hiding or go on a binge. Be prepared to help them start treatment right away if they agree to the plan.

Early Intervention Solutions with Soteria

If a friend, coworker, or loved one is showing the signs of substance abuse disorder, don’t wait until it’s too late to help! Early intervention leads to early treatment, which typically leads to easier treatment and recovery, and less chance of relapse. These people do need compassionate support to face their addiction and overcome it, and you can help them give it.

If you’re looking for support of your own in shattering the stigma of workplace addiction, Soteria is here to help. We can provide additional resources or support to make your early workplace intervention that much more successful. Contact Soteria for more information or to schedule a workplace drug screening today.