When drinking has taken over someone you love, a structured alcohol intervention gives your Iowa family one clear, calm plan instead of another argument.
An alcohol intervention is a planned conversation, led by a professional interventionist, in which a family asks someone who drinks too much to accept treatment that day. We travel to families throughout Iowa, including Des Moines, with treatment and sober transport arranged in advance. Not sure it is time? Read the signs a loved one needs an intervention.
Court-ordered addiction treatment. In limited cases, under Iowa's involuntary commitment law for substance-related disorders (Iowa Code ch. 125, 125.74 et seq.).
Drinking and the law. After a first OWI, an Iowa driver can get a temporary restricted license only by installing an ignition interlock device, and must complete a substance use disorder evaluation and treatment before full reinstatement (source).
State agency. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health.
State treatment line. Your Life Iowa: Call (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398.
Emergency. Call 911 if a loved one is in immediate danger. Call or text 988 for an emotional crisis.
Stopping heavy daily drinking suddenly can cause seizures or delirium tremens, so every plan includes medically managed withdrawal. If your loved one has a seizure, hallucinations or severe confusion while stopping, call 911.
Our treatment navigation takes no payment from treatment centers, in Iowa or out of state.
Drinking is often one part of a wider picture. Iowa recorded 427 drug overdose deaths in 2024, an age-adjusted rate of 13.7 per 100,000, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (source).
In limited cases. Iowa's involuntary commitment law for substance-related disorders sets out a court process that can order treatment when strict legal conditions are met. It is a backstop, not a shortcut: a planned intervention is usually the faster and more lasting route, and a Iowa attorney can confirm how the law applies to your family.
The law to know is Iowa's involuntary commitment law for substance-related disorders (Iowa Code ch. 125, 125.74 et seq.). Any interested person, including a family member, may file a petition asking the court to order evaluation and treatment for a person with a substance-related disorder. Commitment runs 30 days, with recommitment up to 90 more days. Laws change, so confirm the current rules with a Iowa attorney before you rely on them.
Your Life Iowa, the state's free 24/7 call, text and chat service, has a Family and Friends section with guidance on talking to a loved one about substance use and links to family support groups (source).
See the full steps, how long it takes and our cost guide.
The state agency that oversees substance use treatment is Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health. For treatment searches, Iowa offers Your Life Iowa: Call (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398.
Your Life Iowa, the state's free 24/7 call, text and chat service, has a Family and Friends section with guidance on talking to a loved one about substance use and links to family support groups.
Yes. Our professional interventionists travel to families throughout Iowa, including Des Moines. Preparation happens by phone or video, so you can start planning before anyone travels.
One confidential conversation with a professional interventionist. No pressure, no obligation. We'll help you find the right next step for your family.
