It never hurts to be prepared for several different types of reactions if you're considering a confrontation with someone you care about who displays addictive behaviors. More than that - it is ESSENTIAL for you to be well-prepared for a variety of responses from the addict in question. It is quite likely that you will actually receive several responses at once - or in quick succession.

Many people only prepare for the best or worst scenario - but an active addict can throw an amazing touch of chaos at you if they are trying to deny or get out of being accountable for their actions during a confrontation. A whole myriad of defensive reactions, and not just 'either or' responses are very likely to occur.

The word 'intervention' is a good one to put in your vocabulary instead of using 'confrontation' because 'confrontation' is often closely linked with 'conflict.' 'Confront' is a very common word with several near-universal, common meanings. Nearly every meaning implies elements of 'struggle,' 'struggle for control,' 'control,' 'blocking,' 'ultimatums,' and 'fight.' If an addict believes he or she is involved in a struggle or fight, then he or she will react accordingly and FIGHT BACK.

Wouldn't you?

'Intervention' implies that there is a healthy and reasonable re-direction (away from addiction and toward a healthy lifestyle) attempt occurring rather than a conflict. The addict may not understand the term in great detail but he or she will certainly pick out at least one of the 'conflict/power' meanings of the word 'confrontation.' You can be sure of the latter!

Also, for those on the 'asserting' side of the 'intervention,' this is an excellent word to come back to focus upon when the addict, perchance, starts to react and defend him/herself verbally or otherwise. It will help those attempting to intervene to remember that they are involved in the intervention in order to HELP the addict and persuade the addict to admit a problem - not to provoke, manipulate, fight with, or even defend against the addict. (There should be no defense in the way usually imagined...only 'withdrawal,' if the attempt starts to go 'all wrong.' This is a 'defense' in itself. If you withdraw, there can be no fight...if you stay and defend - the fight that was supposed to be an intervention - may go on indefinitely, for as long as you take a defensive stance and 'action').

It is really REALLY important to gather anyone together who will be involved in supporting the addict if/when he or she decides to accept help, admit the addiction, and take steps to recover from the addiction. Anyone who will be part of an intervention will need to understand the risks and benefits of approaching an addict who is in denial about his or her addiction.

* Risks attached to interventions:

- anger - after the attempt to have the addict admit the problem and seek help, the addict will likely be very angry and demonstrative about the 'attack' he or she feels has just received. People must understand that THIS REACTION is completely NORMAL for an addict who is trying to avoid doing something about the problem. Sometimes, this reaction is even part of the process that certain addicts MUST GO THROUGH in order to realize how much addiction is controlling their lives and the lives of family and friends. Just be prepared for anger.

- alienation - be prepared for alienation from the addict. He or she may feel 'trapped' by you and all involved in an intervention. A response that the addict will find 'safety' in is simply to GET AWAY FROM anyone involved in separating him or her from the addictive substance of habit that has become a LIFELINE for coping and survival. Remember, this reaction isn't part of rational, healthy thinking and people who aren't in the position that addicts are in usually don't select to alienate others who are trying to help them with problems. This reaction is PART OF THE ADDICTION, so be FIRM with the addict and don't take all words, actions, and outcomes personally. If you were dealing with a healthy person, you wouldn't be reading this or looking online for ways to 'confront' an addict who is in denial.

- violence - prepare a 'safe place' if you are able to bring an addict into a particular environment of your own choosing. Prepare a 'safey plan' if you intend to enter into the space where an addict lives. Organize to attempt intervention in a public place. (Good luck with the last, probably the least used stituation! For some interventions, the public place works, so consider this one if necessary).

---- (On 'your turf') In your 'safe place,' make sure that you have allowed for route of escaping if the addict becomes violent and verbally abusive (verbal abuse is a type of violence...don't stay in the situation if you're becoming emotionally traumatized - just because nobody has thrown any punches or chairs). Position yourself near doors to rooms that lock so you and other participants can put distance between yourselves and the addict, should the addict become demonstrative. If you are in your own space, have your cell phone ready in case you must call authorities to get an abusive or dangerous addict back off your property. Don't overlook the exits to outside, either. You may need to leave your own premises and come back later once an angry addict has departed.

---- (In 'addict territory') In your 'safey plan' find out the best routes of escape from the addict's living environment in case the addict becomes violent and verbally abusive. Expect to have to leave in a hurry. DO NOT impose longer than necessary upon the addict. Have SOME respect - it is still the addict's space you're in, so don't get too comfortable in this space if you select this option. Even if the addict in question is a minor, the space still belongs to him/her, so SUCK THIS PART UP and don't forget it. A room or home or whatever...where the addict spends time and calls 'my space' belongs to the addict. Get OUT if you have definitely overstayed your welcome. Withdrawal is better than 'stand and defend' if emotions start to fly and moreso if objects begin to fly. A withdrawal can be made into a second effort at a future date (you didn't finish the discussion). A poor defense or failed defense can end in emotional trauma, permanently broken trust, and at its worst, physical injury (discussion - 'OVER').

---- (On Neutral Ground) In a public place people tend to restrain themselves when possible and realize that others are watching. Neutral ground is actually a good choice - however...many interventions will lead to comments about very personal issues. Many people will not want to discuss family/personal issues in a public place, for fear that others not involved will overhear the issues. On the other hand, the neutral ground can be utilized for brief but 'surprise' interventions, if these are very well planned. An addict will usually RUN if he or she suspects an intervention will occur in a public place, so keep this in mind. This is the least likely place that an addict will agree to meet you if he/she suspects that a big talk or family meeting is in the works.

Tips to reduce the effect that these risks can have on an intervention participant:

- stay out of the addict's face. You're trying to facilitate 'discussion,' and create a reasonable environment so the addict can open up about addictions and feel that you will help him or her through stages of recovery once a proper acknowledgement of the problem has been made.

- If your purpose is NOT based in following the addict through the stages of recovery, then you should NOT be involved in an intervention at all, anyway. Interventions are attempts to facilitate help for the addict. Confrontations are, most often (please excuse the explicit wording), "Pissing Contests." Interventions that are only designed to 'get things off chests' are almost never effective and almost always cause more harm than good. If your intentions are only to 'confront' an addict, then what you are looking for is a fight - good luck - anything could happen.