The Intervention Process

Perhaps one of the greatest risks to consider is the nature of the disease itself. Chemical dependency has often been described as chronic, progressive, and, in some cases, fatal. An intervention may be the last chance a family has to save the life of a loved one. If not performed properly, the process could escalate out of control causing the addicted person to sink deeper into the disease and alienate themselves further from the family.

Should you have any questions regarding any aspect of the intervention process, please do not hesitate to contact me at 866 534 4443 or use the contact form to email me.

Intervention Definition

An intervention is a process that helps the addict / alcoholic and the family recognize that a problem exists with regard to drinking or using, take corrective measures to change behavior, and to begin the process of arresting the disease.

The addict / alcoholic may not know that their behavior is out of control or they may be in denial. Oftentimes they associate with friends who themselves are alcoholics or addicts and their behavior merely mirrors their own leaving them to believe that their behavior is normal.

One of the primary purposes of an intervention is to help the addict / alcoholic and the family accept the reality of their situation and to get treatment. While there are many intervention models to choose from, Steven's approach to intervention depends on the patient and the family on a case-by-case basis.

While addicts / alcoholics and their family systems share similar behaviors across the board, each system is as unique as the family itself and are treated accordingly.

In any event, the intervention is presented in a loving, caring manner with an eye toward restoring dignity for the patient who oftentimes is living with the shame typically associated with the disease. Treatment is offered as a gift, not as a punishment.

The Process

The process begins with the first phone call where information is gathered concerning the alcoholic / addict. An initial assessment (drug / alcohol history, prior treatment and attempts to get treatment, medical, family, employment, and social history, etc.) is necessary to determine the appropriate level of treatment care. The intervention team will be determined and information emailed to all participants for use during the intervention.

Meetings are scheduled with all participants in attendance. During the meetings, team members will learn more about the alcoholic / addict's disease, enabling behavior, and more detailed information on how the intervention will proceed. The intervention will be rehearsed in its entirety.

In most cases the actual intervention will take place in the home, although other venues such as hotels, the office, etc, can be used. I prefer to schedule the intervention in the morning or at a time when the alcoholic / addict is least likely to be intoxicated. The time it takes to complete an intervention varies. It could range anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. The pre-intervention meetings will have served to prepare the team no matter what the length of time.

If you have other questions regarding the intervention process, please call me at 866-534-4443.