Common Excuses for Putting Off an Intervention

Interventions have recently risen in the public's awareness thanks to the numerous reality-based television shows on the topic, but there is often a difference between a real life intervention and the way they have been depicted on TV. Importantly, despite what may be implied from the television shows, the families of most addicts and alcoholics in need of an intervention never stage one, often using some version of the following frequent excuses.

Excuse #1: A Drug Intervention (or Alcohol Intervention) Will Cost Too Much

Although there is a cost associated with interventions, it can vary substantially depending on the number of interventionists in attendance, whether a medical doctor must be present, the time involved in travel and preparation of friends and family, and a number of other factors.  In many cases, using the cost of an intervention as an excuse is really a mask for the other reasons discussed below.

Excuse #2: I Am Afraid the Addict Will Be Too Angry to Want Me in Their Life Anymore

Fearing how the addict’s or alcoholic’s response will directly affect you may signal a co-dependent relationship.  Although not always the case, some people in the addict’s life may find as much deceptive fulfillment in their role of caring for the addict as the addict finds in addiction.  A crisis intervention is often the best way to break the cycle of co-dependency with a spouse, child, or sibling.

Excuse #3: I Am Afraid They Will Say “No” and Never Get Help

Many people wonder if there is anything a family can do legally to force an addict into rehab, but there are few situations in which this is possible. Because addiction has transformed their loved one into a person they barely recognize, they are afraid that this new person will surprise them and choose addiction over a healthy life.  But the good news is that interventions usually work – if not on the actual day of the intervention, within a short period of time thereafter – because the addict realizes that life is both unpleasant and unmanageable alone.