Intervention

 

 

What is an 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. 

 

There are as many intervention styles as there are addiction interventionists. However, in all cases, the intervention is a statement of love, and done with kindness and respect.

 

Invitational Approach

 

Some Interventionists use the invitational approach. The 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, as 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. This is the “United We Stand" approach, which is outlined below:

 

1) Assessment of the situation

 

The gathering of information, i.e. who is going to be involved. Who is the financially responsible member, and is there insurance?  What type of treatment center is appropriate, etc?  Availability of members, and where to meet for the pre-intervention meeting, and most important, it is vital that WORD DOES NOT LEAK OUT to the person being intervened on, if you are doing the surprise approach.

 

The team will usually write letters to the loved one, stating what they love about that person, what they miss about that person, and what their lives would be like without that person.  They can also write how that person's addictive behavior has affected them personally - using only hard facts and not judgements, shaming, or blaming.

 

The group then picks a person from the team that is most likely to defuse a situation if the person becomes frightened or defensive and angry. There is always one such member of the team that has a calming effect on the person being intervened on; and this is also the person who will escort the patient to treatment.  And finally, decide in what order everyone sits and who will speak first.  It's like a dress rehearsal to a play.

 

2) The Intervention Meeting.

 

First, have the person meet one of the team members somewhere safe and quiet, (usually someone's home), or go to the person's home. The interventionist will introduce themselves and ask that they please just "hear everyone out". The process begins. Remember, you only have one chance at this; however, there is no such thing as a failed intervention, even if the person refuses to go into a treatment center at that moment, he/she will often reflect on what's been said and decide to enter treatment at a later time, but just as important, the friends and family get the opportunity to express their feelings, AND TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF LETTING GO.

 

Remember, this is a family problem. The intervention is for everyone involved. Too often, family members and friends provide financial support to the addict. This is called enabling or "care taking". There is a saying in Al-Anon, "You can love a person to death".  It is vital that the team set firm "boundaries" with the addict. This often can make the difference between whether or not the addict enters treatment to stop the progression of this addiction.

 

Assuming the person agrees to get help, then try and get them on their way as soon as possible. Situations may deteriorate if too much time goes by.  If the person refuses to go to rehab, you must accept what seems like the totally unacceptable, and finally let go.

 

3) There is a post intervention meeting...

 

... so the team can decompress.  Remember, addiction interventions are very emotional processes that can leave the team feeling drained, or spent. Drug and alcohol addictions are a progressive disease and often results in death. The intervention is a final statement, or plea to the person in trouble to get some help. It is very important that the Interventionist's Team work together, with the goal being; TO TRY AND GET THE ADDICT INTO TREATMENT, AS WELL AS HELPING THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS START THEIR OWN HEALING PROCESS.

 

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 your answer. 

With our convenient evening co-ed or a women's only day program, recovery can begin!

 

 

Some insurance plans accepted.
Call to see if yours will cover the cost of your treatment.

California Certified Alcohol and Drug Program #370101AP

 

Call for help (858) 453-4315

6046 Cornerstone Court W. #113

San Diego, CA  92121