An intervention for executives has the same end goal as a standard intervention, but the setting and circumstances may look a little bit different. Executive interventions may be held in a professional setting, rather than in someone’s home.
Often, high-performing executives who live with substance use disorder feel that they are “getting by” or “doing ok” because they’re still successful at work. Executives living with addiction may think they’re hiding their issues from coworkers and supervisors. Sometimes, people in this scenario have already been approached by family and friends who want them to try substance abuse treatment. An executive intervention staged by coworkers and superiors may be received differently than an intervention put together by family and friends.
One of the biggest roadblocks for someone in this scenario getting treatment may be falling behind at work. They may wonder what their supervisors would think, or if their job would be waiting for them after they complete treatment. An executive intervention provides a safe space to ask and answer those questions, with the aid of a professional interventionist.
Confidentiality is an important part of an executive intervention. It may make sense for those in the room to sign a non-disclosure agreement stating that the matter discussed will remain private. This can provide the person suffering from addiction with the reassurance they need to open up and share their struggles. It may also be valuable to have a story planned for the company to explain the person’s absence during treatment (working overseas, taking a sabbatical, tending to family issues out of state, etc.).
During an executive intervention, superiors can make it clear to the person with addiction that they are extremely valuable to the company, and that their job will be there for them when they finish treatment.
