How to Conduct a Safe Intervention for Substance Use Disorder and What to Avoid

An intervention is sometimes needed in situations where those struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) require outside assistance, motivation, support, or predetermined consequences to help curb the behaviors associated with the SUD. A multidisciplinary team approach which incorporates safety, compliance, and access to care is ideal. The intervention is often the final step in an investigative process that also includes surveillance, interviews, drug testing, and chart audits. Additionally, the culture of the institution helps to formulate policies that are in line with the mission, vision, and values of the company. A punitive system-wide culture, for example, can expect a far different intervention outcome than one that is support and treatment-centric.