Interventions are usually called upon as last hope measures for someone that has a chronic, abusive relationship with an addictive substance such as drugs or alcohol. If this addiction is let go on, the chances of the individual dying or facing irreversible problems is almost inevitable. In the process many people that care for the addict suffer, and we understand the hardship that comes with making the decision to get help. One of the greatest fears of loved ones is that the individual will be angry or unable to forgive them for "betraying" them by contacting outside help. While this is a merited fear, one must stop and think what is more important, helping someone you love at the risk they will be upset, or standing by and watching them fade away. Our phone specialists deal with the fears and questions of worried family and friends daily and would be more than willing to help calm down someone with second thoughts.
Intervention and treatment planning
The first step of the intervention process is picking up the phone and calling us here at Intervention MD. Our trained specialists listen to the situation; choose the appropriate interventionist and help plan out a time and place for a pre-intervention meeting. The interventionist will call back at a time of the family's choosing to solidify the details of the pre-intervention meeting and begin to plan the actual intervention. The more information that the family and friends are able to offer the better able we are to plan the intervention.
Pre-intervention metting
At the pre-intervention meeting, the interventionist will arrive and discuss the situation with family and selected loved ones that will be involved in the actual intervention. Together they will choose a safe place in which the intervention can take place and the impact of the individual's addiction on each loved one will be discussed in depth to prepare for the intervention. Often times the interventionist will ask family and loved ones to write down their thoughts and feelings with the group in the pre-intervention meeting to help practice for the actual intervention.
The intervention
Interventions usually take place in the house of a close friend or family member and the individual is brought unknowingly into the situation. Interventions are not typically hostile, however, the initial feeling on the part of the individual is anger and betrayal. Once he/she is over this initial feeling, the intervention, facilitated by the specialist can begin. Interventions are meant to be a safe, loving confrontation in which the individual con see the impact of his/her drug or alcohol abuse on the lives of every loved one at the same time. Interventions are a very powerful process for this reason and that is why they are so successful. Everyone is allowed to share their thoughts and feelings openly but without judgment, and the interventionist moderates this behavior so that it does not turn into an interrogation or blaming session.
Accepting treatment
A successful intervention ends in the individual accepting help and agreeing to go with the intervention specialist to a pre-planned treatment program designed by the specialist with the help of family and friends. The interventionist also helps in the transition process from initial intervention to treatment and can also assist in transportation needs and the resolving of second thoughts on the part of the individual between the intervention process and admission into a treatment program.
