San Diego Sober Living - Recovery

Staging an Intervention for Addiction: A Step-by-Step Guide

In February 2025, the son of British music icon Rod Stewart shared some details with the Daily Mail newspaper about his recent admission to a rehabilitation facility in Southern California. Sean Stewart is 44 years old. As the second of eight siblings, he has a history of substance abuse, addiction, and relapse. In the Daily Mail interview, Sean explained he checked into rehab voluntarily. However, he was encouraged by his family with an intervention he appreciated. Sean agreed to the medical recommendation of staying for 90 days to work on the underlying issues that have previously caused him to fall into substance abuse. We’ll mention this successful intervention as an example of how one should be staged.

Understanding Interventions

An intervention is a structured process designed to help individuals realize why they should get help. Substance abuse and chemical dependence are the most common reasons for interventions, but they’re not the only ones. In Sean Stewart’s most recent intervention, his family was concerned about him potentially returning to taking drugs to cope with childhood issues related to stress and impulse control. The intervention process almost always involves planning a meeting that ideally results in the individual getting treatment.

Intervention Models

Sean’s parents and siblings staged an intervention according to the Systemic Family Model, which involves a group discussion. The first intervention model was developed by Dr. Vernon Johnson in the 1960s, and it’s the one most often depicted in Hollywood film and television productions because it can get confrontational and dramatic. There’s also the Arise Intervention Model, which focuses on a series of invitational meetings that can include the attendance of family members.

Professional Intervention Management

The Stewart family played a crucial role in getting Sean back into rehab. The Systemic Family Model of intervention was handled by an addiction recovery professional who assessed the situation and developed a treatment plan. It should be noted the intervention manager approved who would be involved and how Sean should be approached. A safe and controlled setting was selected, and the meeting was dynamically managed to avoid negative confrontations. Days later, Sean prepared for rehab and checked himself in. 

Interventions are only part of addiction treatment. A recovery specialist may recommend staying in a sober living home if the patient needs a transition strategy. Professionals understand the complexities of substance abuse, addiction, and mental health. They focus on treatment instead of only convincing someone to go to rehab or join an Alcoholics Anonymous group.

Treatment Plans Following Interventions

Following a successful intervention, the focus shifts to implementing a comprehensive treatment plan. The intervention manager may continue as a counselor who supervises a tailored recovery program. Some patients may need to go through detoxification. This is sometimes the case with heavy drinkers and individuals hooked on opioids. Detoxification is a clinical approach, while rehab is a clinical/residential strategy. For example, staying in an Encinitas men’s sober living facility is a residential approach that prepares patients to transition back into healthy lives. Outpatient treatment may include AA meetings, following a 12-step program, or counseling sessions.

If you or someone you love needs help to stop using addictive substances, call on the compassionate team at Casa Pacifica. Along with providing coastal sober living Encinitas residents and visitors rely on during recovery, we work with our individual residents to develop customized plans that integrate treatment, aftercare, and recovery support. Our services include sober companionship, coaching, and mentorship for those who are recovering from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. For more information about our sober living facilities, call us today.