Intervention

From LoveToKnow Recovery

Alcoholism or drug addiction intervention is used to "bring the bottom up" for the alcoholic or addict. At one time, it was generally accepted that the alcoholic needed to "hit bottom" before any real recovery could start. Through this process, the addict’s bottom is "brought up" so he can begin recovery before further damage occurs to their lives and others. The event should be carefully planned and the presence of an addiction specialist should be included. At the meeting, the alcoholic is confronted with his/her actions by friends, family members and professionals. The goal is to break through the denial and get the addict started on recovery.

An addict shouldn't feel like a victim during an intervention.
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An addict shouldn't feel like a victim during an intervention.
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Understanding an Addict’s Behavior

Many families feel helpless feelings while watching a loved one go experience some sort of a personal crisis at one time or another in their lives. Very often the crisis onset creates negative coping behavior creating personal or psychological barrier issues for the individual and the family. It can be a problem with alcohol, drugs, food, gambling or any other addiction.

In most cases, the behavior of the affected person gets more and more aggravated over time and their family interactions deteriorate significantly in quality. Squabbles, fights, angry demonstrations, sometimes even violence can result when their family members confront them with their ‘problem’. Overtime, this leads to a process of isolation for the victims and their families with relationships getting progressively worse over time.

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The Intervention Method

Intervention is an intelligent, emotionally balanced, psychologically sound method enabling a controlled confrontation, where the addict doesn’t feel like an accused victim by family members. Instead, the addict realizes that the intervention discussion results from a sense of genuine family concern. Addicts are then more open to free discussions without feeling cornered or belittled in any manner. Most meetings are considered successful if they show some positive results in one form or another.

Sessions are usually lead by a family member. The meeting is a well-planned initiative that includes loved ones, close friends and a professional counselor or local pastor. Each is meticulously planned with each point of the discussion detailed. It is not a free-for-all discussion or accusation session, but a structured method of pointing out to the victim that their addictive behaviors are affecting themselves and his/her functioning as a part of the family unit and as a member of society. The purpose is to gently remind the victim that they’re not alone in their frustration, that there are other people who are concerned about their welfare and happiness.

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Preparations

Friends and family meet and decide who should be a part of the session, along with a professional interventionist. The interventionist is a trained professional who understands the medical and psychological aspects of the addiction problem, and is usually a trained counselor. He/she will help the family get needed important information about the nature of the addiction and common problems with an addict’s substance abuse.

Family members are chosen and each is given a role with specific statements and points of comment to make in the forthcoming discussion. Some role-playing is taught and a basic discussion plan created.

The treatment part is discussed and alternatives decided so the family is well prepared to move the intervention session forward after the patient agrees to seek professional help.

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The Main Event

The actual meeting is usually held at the addict’s home. It may also be a reasonably neutral location that is acceptable to both the victim and his friends, not a doctors’ office. At the appointed time, the group confronts the addict with their viewpoints as the session enfolds. The interventionist acts as moderator and controls the session so that it does not degenerate into interpersonal accusations or heated arguments. Family members emphasize the impact the addict’s negative behavior is creating rather than on his shortcomings.

The main goal of the session is to break through self-denial barriers and diversion that family victims have been practicing, and to make the addict aware of the impact their addiction is having on their loved ones and significant others. The session objective is to get the victim to make a strong commitment to seek treatment or professional help, as soon as possible.

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Follow-up Care

Some successful meetings may result in the addict seeking help and treatment immediately after the session. Others may result in some positive action on the part of the addict that occurs a day or two after. There are also cases where the session does not result in immediate major changes in the addict’s life, though some sort of a positive outcome is seen.

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Additional Resources

Books and other publications:

Some popular titles are listed here. To find more books on intervention and the family, go to:


Online Articles:


Treatment Centers and professional interventionists:


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