Understanding Intervention

Intervention itself is a misunderstood process. Somehow, it conjures up visions of dragging someone off to a treatment center, kicking and screaming.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  It is a true expression of love and, if done correctly, can truly honor the loved one, who by this point is feeling a great deal of pain and loneliness. See An Open Letter to My Family. Understanding the work of interventionists, and the various styles they employ is not something familiar to most people.

 

Invitational Approach

 

A team, consisting of the interventionist, family members and friends, have gotten together to discuss how to lovingly interrupt the cycle of addiction. Someone from the team invites the addict to meet with the family and friends to discuss the problem and recommend treatment options. The person with the problem with alcohol and/or drugs knows about the meeting and it's problem solving agenda.

 

Surprise Party Approach

 

In the Surprise Party Approach, the power of the intervention is in seeing everyone in the same room, like a surprise party.  Usually, the addicted person will have told different stories to members at various times, often lies or half truths. Not telling the truth and denial are hallmarks of the disease of addiction. The team will have met earlier and having shared information with each other, now have a somewhat clearer picture of the situation.

An inpatient treatment program, hospitalization for detoxification, or a recovery home are recommended if the person is unable to stop using alcohol and/or drugs even after detoxification, or previous treatment.  If the person with alcohol and drug dependence is able to go on living in their home, and they are able to continue work or school, an intensive inpatient treatment program like Lasting Recovery may be the solution. 

 

In a million years, I never would have believed that my experiences at Lasting Recovery would have changed my life so drastically for the positive in such a short time! The program may be over, but it is forever with me.
- Diane P.