Alcoholism is a disease that affects everyone, not just the addict. It can be difficult for an alcoholic to admit they need treatment. Often, an intervention by family and friends is the only way that the alcoholic will get into an alcohol rehab program. Planning a successful intervention is not a simple proposition, however, and there is always an underlying worry that the addict will not be receptive to their loved ones approaching them on such a delicate and sensitive subject.

 The most important point to remember is that despite your best intentions, your intervention will most likely be met by anger and denial.  The alcoholic does not want to admit to themselves or to other people that they have a problem. It is not uncommon for alcoholics to believe that they do not have an addiction. A successful intervention may take several approaches, over many different times, before the alcoholic you care about recognizes that their addiction is a disease, not a weakness. Many interventions fail simply because they are viewed as an attack by the people the alcoholic loves most in the world. It is critical for those planning an intervention to stress their love and support for the alcoholic.

 Expressing their desire for the alcoholic to enter an alcohol treatment program should not be the only message the addict hears. The recognition that there is treatment for their addiction can be frightening, and only through the promise of knowing their loved ones won’t abandon them, will make entering an alcohol rehab program an attractive option. The alcoholic must be secure in knowing that their family and friends will stand by them every step of the way.