You never expected to get addicted to drugs or alcohol. In fact, your problem likely started out of a desire to fit in or let off some steam. Alternatively, you might have started using drugs to escape a painful past. Whatever the reasons are, you may suspect that your loved ones are catching on, and you can't help but feel that an intervention may be in the works. Although it can be hard to discover that you are sitting at your own intervention, it is important to remember that everyone really is just trying to show that they care. Use these tips to be ready when that moment comes so that you can keep control during a potentially stressful situation:

Just Listen at First

Interventions tend to go bad when people start to blow up. Keep in mind that the people involved all value your relationship or else they wouldn't be there. If you find yourself getting upset by what they say, avoid saying anything negative. Instead, try to listen with an open mind. You may discover that others in the group have also struggled with addiction, or you may find that their heartfelt messages strike inspiration for getting sober. Either way, just listening makes it clear to them that you care enough to let their voices be heard.

Have a Few Counter Questions Ready

Once everyone has had their chance to talk, they will be ready to hear what you have to say. Depending on your personality and situation, they may be expecting resistance or for you to ignore their concerns completely. Surprise them by having a few questions ready to ask them about what they expect to happen next. For instance, you could ask them what types of individual addiction treatment they recommend, or you could find out if anyone has used counseling to successfully battle their addiction.

Establish an Action Plan

Asking your own questions helps to make an intervention feel less like an ambush and more like an opportunity to engage in a serious discussion. In fact, you may find that you want to take the advice of your friends and family. While everyone is there, get their commitment to helping you be successful in beating your addiction by creating a plan of action. For instance, you could identify specific people to help you attend individual counseling sessions by arranging to babysit or giving you a ride to the office.

Interventions take time and work to plan, and the fact that your loved ones sat you down to talk about addiction is a sign of their love and support. By staying open-minded and planning to turn this event into a positive situation, you can survive the intervention and turn it into a life-altering moment that draws everyone closer.

Contact an individual addiction counseling center for more information and assistance.