Intervention Definition:
An intervention is an orchestrated attempt by one, or often many, people (usually family and friends) to get someone to seek professional help with an addiction or some kind of traumatic event or crisis. The term intervention is most often used when the traumatic event involves addiction to drugs or other items. Intervention can also refer to the act of usinga technique within a therapy session.
Intervention Description:
Intervention: Drugs and Alcohol
Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction
Intervention is a process of uniting loved ones, related to or friends of an individual struggling with alcohol addiction , drug addiction, or prescription drug addiction. An Intervention is necessary when an individual struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or prescription drug addiction is in denial of the problem, yet the chaos and destruction of behaviors is evident to loved ones, family, and friends.
INTERVENTION WORKS!
Intervention works! Addiction Treatment works! However, it can be difficult to get an individual to treatment. Most people do not know the exact nature of the problem or situation for which self-medication behavior eases the pain. Whether it is the individual alcoholic or addict, or the loved ones involved, most people are unable to identify the underlying issues, prior to addiction treatment. An individual might be struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Trauma or a lack of appropriate coping skills might also be the underlying issues. Regardless, an Intervention works and addiction treatment works, if the individual struggling with addiction can find his/her way to help.
Steps to an Intervention:
Using Drugs and Alcohol
Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction
Pre- Intervention
The Pre-Intervention Step, is the time in which you decide you can’t take this behavior, chaos, and self-destruction anymore. This is the time when you take action. You, loved ones, family, and friends, plan to unite to discuss the next steps. During the Pre-Intervention Step, you will contact the INTERVENTIONIST, to discuss the history you’ve experienced with the individual who is struggling with alcohol addiction or drug addiction or prescription drug addiction. Once you’ve contacted the INTERVENTIONIST, the following steps are easier and guided by your INTERVENTIONIST, who will give you support, validate your concerns, and provide guidance thorough the INTERVENTION process.
Intervention Preparation
The Preparation Step, is the time in which you gather a history of the chaos and self destruction of the individual struggling with addiction, and the impact his/her behavior or addiction has had on you, your life and other people and their lives. The Preparation Step is also a time in which you discuss the appropriate addiction treatment program for your loved one. You will decide on a treatment program and decide on the payment method. The Preparation Step is a time in which you and everyone else involved in the INTERVENTION will write letters to the alcoholic or addict, describing your concerns, your feelings, the purpose for the intervention, and your hope for the future. You will also pack appropriate clothes and necessities for the individual who will enter a treatment facility.
Intervention
The Intervention Step is the act of the INTERVENTION. At this time, everyone involved in the INTERVENTION will gather in one location. Everything will have been planned and discussed with your INTERVENTIONIST. Your letters will be ready. Everyone will be gathered at the Intervention location. Your loved one will arrive or will be sleeping and then awaken by you or another individual. The Intervention, at that time, will begin. You might encounter an angry, surprised, or defensive loved one. You might have a difficult time or an easy time, sharing your intentions of this INTERVENTION. Your loved one might even refuse to participate and leave the location.
If your loved one agrees to stay and proceed with the INTERVENTION, he/she will sit in a chair and will be instructed as to the purpose of the intervention and the steps that will follow. During an Intervention communication is extremely important. Loving, positive, yet firm and direct communication is imperative.
Everyone will read their letters. Many of the letters will refer to the destruction caused by alcohol addiction, drug addiction or prescription drug addiction. Letters will be emotional and typically include painful memories of the chaos of addiction. Once the letters have been read, your loved one will have an opportunity to respond. The INTERVENTIONIST will facilitate this entire process, re-directing as needed.
The final step of the INTERVENTION is to explain that your loved one’s bags are packed and ready for his/her addiction treatment program. Transportation will be waiting.
Everyone will say their goodbyes and your loved one will leave with the INTERVENTIONIST for the beginning of the addiction treatment program.
Post-Intervention
Post Intervention for the alcoholic or addict begins with the transportation to an addiction treatment facility.
Post Intervention for the family of the alcoholic or addict begins, once the loved one has departed the INTERVENTION location. During the Post Intervention, family members and friends discuss their experience and validate their letters, feelings, and concerns . It is the beginning of a hopeful and healing journey to recovery for the alcoholic or addict and family and friends.
Reach out to us. Recovery from alcohol addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention you may contact us:
Intervention for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
Intervention for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
