The loved one refuses to acknowledge they have a problem
The loved one has declined multiple attempts to talk about treatment
The family has financial resources to invest ($3,500-$8,500)
The family is willing to participate and follow through
The situation is serious enough that waiting could be fatal
The Script
"If they're not willing to talk about treatment, we have two options: boundaries or a professional intervention. An intervention is when we get the people they love in a room and we have a professional facilitate a conversation where each person talks about how the addiction has affected them. Then the interventionist asks the person to go to treatment. It costs between $3,500-$8,500 depending on preparation time, travel, and complexity, but it works about 70% of the time. Is that something you'd be open to exploring?"
Breaking Down the Intervention Process
Step 1: Preparation
The interventionist meets with the family (without the client) to understand the situation, identify who should participate, and coach them on what to say. Each person writes a letter or prepares talking points.
Step 2: The Intervention Day
The family invites the client to a neutral location (or surprises them at home). The interventionist facilitates as each person shares their prepared statements. The tone is loving but direct.
Step 3: The Ask
After everyone speaks, the interventionist asks the client to go to treatment immediately. Transportation is often arranged in advance so the client can leave that day.
Step 4: Consequences (If Refused)
If the client refuses, the family implements pre-determined boundaries (covered in the Boundaries section). This is critical â the intervention isn't just a conversation. It's an ultimatum with follow-through.
Success Rate and Expectations
Set realistic expectations: interventions don't always work on the first attempt. But even when the client refuses initially, the intervention plants a seed and shows the seriousness of the situation.
Cost Structure
The cost of professional interventions varies based on:
Preparation time: How many pre-intervention meetings are needed
Travel: Is the interventionist local or traveling to another state?
Complexity: How many people are involved? Are there special circumstances?
Follow-up: Does the family need post-intervention support?
Typical range: $3,500 - $8,500
"I know that's a significant investment. But compare it to the cost of continued addiction: lost jobs, legal fees, medical bills, or worse â losing your loved one entirely. Interventions work about 70% of the time, which means there's a strong chance this is the thing that finally gets them into treatment. And if they don't go willingly, the intervention sets up the boundaries you'll need to enforce."
Who Should Participate?
The interventionist will help determine this, but generally you want:
Close family members: Parents, siblings, spouse, children (age-appropriate)
Close friends: People the client respects and trusts
Employers or mentors: In some cases, professional relationships matter
NOT people who enable: Anyone who gives money, covers for them, or isn't willing to set boundaries
Follow-Up Questions to Expect
"What if they get angry and leave?"
"That's a possibility. The interventionist is trained to handle anger, resistance, and denial. But even if they leave, the message has been delivered: 'We love you, but we won't support your addiction anymore.' That message sticks. And when the consequences start (no money, no housing, no phone), they often come back ready for treatment."
"What if they refuse treatment?"
"Then the family implements the boundaries we discussed in preparation. That's why the intervention includes planning for both outcomes â if they say yes, we have transportation ready. If they say no, the family knows exactly what happens next: no more financial support, no more housing, no more enabling. The intervention isn't a one-time conversation. It's the beginning of a process."
"Do we surprise them or tell them in advance?"
"That depends on the situation. The interventionist will guide you. Some interventions work better as a surprise because the client can't avoid it. Others work better with advance notice â 'We need to have a family meeting on Saturday.' The interventionist will assess what's best based on your loved one's personality and the dynamics of your family."
Connecting Them to an Interventionist
If the family is interested in an intervention:
"Great. Let me connect you with an interventionist who can assess your situation and put together a plan. I'm going to give you their contact information, and I want you to call them today. The sooner we start preparing, the sooner we can get your loved one into treatment. Do you have a pen ready?"