Conversation preparation

Write to connect, not to corner someone.

A letter can organize your thoughts. It cannot make a conversation safe, diagnose a problem, or guarantee that someone accepts help.

Open the private worksheet

Give the letter one purpose

Start by deciding what you are asking for: a conversation, a professional consultation, or permission to explore support together. A letter that tries to settle years of conflict can bury that request. You can write a private first draft without deciding to deliver it.

A qualified professional can help you consider whether a letter is appropriate, who should read it, and how to respond if your loved one wants to stop. Do not arrange a surprise confrontation because a template makes the preparation look complete.

An example, with its limits

The following is a fictional writing example, not a testimony or a script for every family:

I care about you, and I miss having time together that feels easy. When our plans were canceled recently, I felt worried and unsure how to help. I do not want to make assumptions about what you are experiencing.
Would you be open to talking about support options with someone qualified? If you want, I can help gather questions or look at appointment options with you. I also want to hear what concerns you about getting help.

The example names the relationship, describes an observation, asks rather than diagnoses, and offers a limited action. It deliberately does not threaten housing, custody, money, or treatment consequences. Those issues can carry serious safety and legal implications and need individual guidance.

Make room for their answer

Do not treat a prepared letter as a speech that must be finished regardless of the other person's response. Ask a professional how to handle pauses, disagreement, distress, or a refusal. You do not need to collect statements from everyone in the family.

SAMHSA's conversation guidance emphasizes listening and open-ended questions. The worksheet below is an organizing aid inspired by those principles, not a clinical method or an automated letter-writing service.

Your private draft

Avoid names, contact details, diagnoses, or medical history. This worksheet does not send, automatically save, or rewrite your text. Reloading clears it. Downloaded copies and browser features are under your control.

Start with your relationship

What do you value about the person and your relationship? Keep this personal, without making promises.

Describe one or two observations

Use specific events and their effect on you, rather than a diagnosis or a list of accusations.

Offer a manageable next step

Ask about discussing options with a qualified professional. Leave room for a response.

Say what you can realistically offer

For example, help researching an appointment or a ride if wanted. Do not commit to more than you can do.

Close without a threat or guarantee

Make room for listening. Review any boundary involving housing, money, children, or safety with qualified support.

INTERVENTION.NOW | Conversation-letter draft

A private draft to review with a qualified professional. Not an instruction to arrange an intervention.



[Start with your relationship]

[Describe one or two observations]

[Offer a manageable next step]

[Say what you can realistically offer]

[Close without a threat or guarantee]



Review the circumstances and safety of any conversation with qualified support.

Before sharing your draft

Check that observations are accurate and that you are speaking for yourself.
Remove insults, diagnosis claims, and promises you cannot keep.
Ask a professional about any language involving safety, children, housing, or finances.
Plan support for yourself whether the answer is yes, no, or not now.

Continue with the preparation guide or guidance when someone declines help.