What Is an Intervention?

Approaching someone about their addiction can feel impossible. You may worry about pushing them away or causing conflict. Yet a carefully planned intervention can open the door to healing. If you’re asking “What is an intervention?”, this guide will demystify the process with compassion, clarity, and respect for everyone’s role in recovery.

What Is an Intervention?

An intervention is a planned and supportive conversation involving family and friends—sometimes guided by a clinician—intended to encourage a loved one with substance use to accept treatment. It’s not a confrontation, but a heartfelt effort to offer help when someone’s energy to change is low.

As the Mayo Clinic explains, such gatherings are carefully structured to:

  • Outline how the addiction is affecting relationships

  • Offer a treatment plan with clear steps

  • Identify consequences if treatment isn’t accepted

Common Intervention Models

intervention

  1. Johnson Model

    • Confrontational approach that directly explains the negative consequences and urges treatment.

  2. ARISE Model

    • Collaborative and invitational, focusing on shared understanding and choice.

  3. Systemic Family Model

    • Gentle coaching through broader family dynamics.

Best Practices for an Effective Intervention

  • Plan ahead with a professional (clinician or interventionist) to prepare both mentally and emotionally.
  • Stay respectful and solution-focused, using phrases like “I hear you” rather than confrontational language.

  • Offer clear next steps, such as facility tours or admission support, not just criticism.

  • Embrace alternatives like CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), which emphasizes positive reinforcement and has shown nearly 70% success in connecting loved ones to treatment.

Why Interventions Matter for Recovery

When someone’s addiction is powerful enough to obscure their own awareness, an intervention can be the turning point. In that moment, families can bridge distance, show love, and collectively guide someone to the help they truly deserve.

What is an intervention shown through hopeful journey with clinical support into recovery

At Inspire Recovery Center, we understand interventions aren’t easy—but they do work when done with empathy and clinical support. Our compassionate professionals can help you plan and approach this step with care.
If you’re considering staging an intervention, contact Inspire Recovery Center today to explore your next steps.