If you know someone who is addicted to marijuana, you may find yourself considering an intervention for that person. During an intervention, the friends, family members, loved ones, coworkers, and acquaintances of an addict will get together and present reasons that they want the addict to enter into a recovery program. Usually each person will write a letter before the intervention and then they will read it aloud once they have the addicts attention. Usually the addict will be told that they are going somewhere else, and then they are surprised with the intervention.
When dealing with a friend or family member who is addicted to marijuana, it is important to remember the way in which that substance impacts people who use it. When organizing an intervention for someone addicted to cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, or certain types of pills, you may want to keep in mind that a violent reaction is possible or likely, depending on the addict. When organizing an intervention for someone who is addicted to marijuana, there is often less concern about a violent physical reaction.
Organizing The Intervention
If you have come up with the idea of an intervention for someone you know who is addicted to marijuana, it is important to consult with those closest to them first. It is a good idea to reach out to that persons spouse, parents, siblings, and best friends in order to gain their support in putting on the intervention. Then, everyone will need to get together considering their own schedules and the schedule of the addict to find a good time for the intervention to take place.
You will also need to find a good location for hosting the intervention. Often, the home of a friend or family member is the ideal location for an intervention. This will make it easier to come up with a reason that the addict needs to be at the location at a particular time, and it is also likely to make them more receptive if they are in a comfortable environment. Trying to get an addict to show up to a rehab or detox facility is often not the best tactic in this case.
What to Say
If you are able to get the subject of the intervention to take a seat and earnestly listen to what everyone has to say, it is important to come up with the right things to say. Do not berate the addict when giving them reasons that you want to see them in treatment. It can be a good idea to focus on highlighting all of the positive characteristics that that person has when they are sober rather than chastising them for their behavior while they are high. In this same vein, it is important to avoid screaming or name calling during the intervention.
It is also important to be concise and goal oriented while speaking during an intervention. Especially if the person is still high at their intervention, they may have a limited attention span or ability to comprehend and process information. Be sure to let them know clearly and concisely that the goal is to get them into immediate treatment and not to make them feel bad or guilty. Clearly communicate how they have mistreated loved ones through theft, violence, manipulation, or abuse, but do not chastise them for it. This can trigger a negative reaction.
What If It Does Not Work?
There is no such thing as an unsuccessful intervention. Just by sitting that person down and starting to explain the impact of their behavior, you have made an important statement to them about the impact of their addiction. Even if they ignore you or get up and walk away, you still made a statement that will take a place somewhere in the back of their mind while they use in the future. You can always try again for a second intervention at a later date.
Professional interventionists can help to facilitate your intervention, but you may wish to seek out additional resources prior to the intervention as well. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 833-285-1315.
