Family Intervention

A family intervention for addictions is appropriate, beneficial, and highly successful in situations where a family member is exhibiting addictive behavior, requires help in overcoming the problem, but is unwilling to admit a problem or accept any assistance.

A family intervention involves the family coming together, after an initial meeting or two where thorough preparation and planning occur, and addressing the family member`s addiction and addictive behavior in a supporting, loving, and non-judgmental manner. A successful family intervention should include the guidance and support of an intervention specialist or other addictions counselor or professional.

A family intervention can be used for almost any type of addictive behavior besides the obvious ones of alcohol and drug abuse. Other types of common addictions include eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia), gambling addictions, sex addictions, pornography, and even computer addictions.

Family interventions, if conducted appropriately, have a high chance of getting the addicted person into treatment. Even if the addict does not accept treatment at the conclusion of the intervention, his addictive behavior will have been "outed" and his drug or alcohol behavior will have been altered. Many addicts who refuse treatment initially later change their mind once they see that family enabling behaviors have changed and the problems of addiction have reverted back solely in the addict`s lap instead of the family`s.

What is normally involved in a family intervention for addictions? First of all, family members need to prepare themselves for the intervention in order for it to work and be successful, and to help them get into the right frame of mind. Everyone that will be involved in the intervention needs to get together to talk about their feelings, talk about the particular addiction being addressed, explore their own enabling behavior, discuss their ultimate goals for the intervention, talk about treatment options for the addict, and get organized for the intervention day.

In order to prepare adequately, the concerned family members and the intervention specialist meet on at least one occasion for a pre intervention conference. All details of the intervention are discussed including where the intervention will occur, how to insure that the addict will be in attendance, what will be said by the intervention team members during the family intervention, how to handle objections voiced by the addict and all other logistics and concerns related to the intervention.

Then, comes the actual family intervention day. This is where the team comes together as a entire group, fully prepared, ready to take on the challenge and confront the family member with the addiction problem in a gentle and loving way. The intervention team will address the addict`s negative, self-destructive, and addictive behavior head-on, letting him know that the team is there because they love him, and are prepared and committed to helping him get through the problem, complete with treatment options.

Finally, the family intervention members should not only continue with ongoing support and assistance for the addict, they should also seek treatment for their own needs. Many health professionals in the addiction field agree that addiction is a family disease and, as such, the family should seek treatment to learn about their enabling behavior, drug education, relapse prevention, and their own traumatic experiences felt while living with an addicted family member. Many rehab facilities have a family treatment component included in their program to delve into such issues. Al Anon and family therapists are other sources of help for family members. Regardless of which service you select, treatment for the family is an essential element in restoring family health.

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