Family Interventions Can Help Start the Treatment Process
Every addiction is different, and the problems one individual is experiencing are not the same as the next. Also, people abuse drugs for different reasons, but it is common for many addicts to refuse help and not be able to admit they have a problem involving drugs or alcohol. Family intervention is a common approach used because it provides the right nudge toward treatment. It can be difficult for those close to an addict to confront someone they love about drug and alcohol use. In these cases, it may be beneficial to include a certified family intervention specialist in the process. These professionals have the training to prepare a family for what to expect. However, it is the effort of everyone involved that eventually convinces the addict they need help.
Most family interventions use communication to encourage an addict to admit to their problem and seek treatment. A group of close friends and friends and family come together, and the gathering is usually a surprise to the addict. Typically, each member of the group outlines the ways in which they have been harmed by the addict’s addiction. During this process, they then request the addict get treatment or list the consequences for getting help. Interventions can be emotionally charged. While many interventions can be done quickly and without complications, consulting a professional interventionist is always a good idea.
How Successful Are Interventions?
Generally, interventions can be successful. To some degree, this depends on how success is measured. Many families may feel it is successful when they agree to go to treatment. Still, success is a result of the family setting healthy boundaries and holding the addict accountable, while also following the guidance of the interventionist. Addiction is treatable, and a person does not have to live the rest of his or her life as an addict. However, the process of getting someone to this point is challenging. Many Addicts may be more likely to seek treatment when they undergo an intervention. Yet, the intervention does not necessarily affect the outcome of the treatment itself. It is a combined effort with the family and working with the interventionist and the treatment facility to help them keep the addict focused on rehabilitation while they are at the treatment facility.
Family intervention can be effective at any time, and it should not be considered the last step to take. Addicts do not have to reach rock bottom because there is no end to addiction despite what horrible things may have happened. Drugs or alcohol are more powerful and provide relief from physical and emotional pain and anguish.
Whether it is an intervention with a conversation involving family or friends or a staged intervention, the process does work. While some addicts may respond to the intervention with anger, threats and a refusal to attend treatment. Other addicts may break down and quickly realize they need help. Once the family has the addict’s agreement to receive help, the tough part is following through and not giving in.
Common Types of Family Intervention
There are many common methods of family intervention, whether done with a professional interventionist or organized by the family.
Simple intervention, for example, is not a huge gathering of people to confront the addict. Typically, this is one family member facing the addicted person asking them to stop using drugs and enter treatment. A simple intervention could also be done with the help of a professional interventionist.
A classical intervention begins with a planning session that includes everyone involved and usually an interventionist. The interventionist would counsel and educate the family, and everyone has a role to play when the intervention happens. Most classical interventions are based on the Johnson Model, which is a surprise approach with a family interventionist.
Family system intervention occurs when more than one family member struggling with addiction and co-dependency. The approach used helps the addiction and family bonds and encourages the family to participate in family counseling and coaching.
Crisis intervention would occur in an addicted person’s life when it is clear to everyone they need help. The addict may have become a danger to themselves and others, requiring immediate intervention and treatment. Family intervention specialists help a family through the entire process and ensure the correct approach is taken to help the addict.
How to Make a Family Intervention More Successful
There are general things any family could do to ensure the success of an intervention. For example, do not schedule an intervention for a time that the addict is likely to be high or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not yell or shame the addict but take a loving and understanding approach—intervention is not the time to place blame and point fingers. Always be specific when itemizing the ways the addict’s addiction has affected you. Keep everything you say short and to the point, and write down what you want to say. Also, have a specific treatment plan organized, which includes detox, rehabilitation, and aftercare. If a family does not follow through with the consequences, the entire intervention will fail. If you or a loved one need help with drugs or alcohol abuse, contact the Narconon Ojai team.
Guest post by:
Bobby Newman, CIP, ICPS, ICDAC
Founder & Interventionist Newman Interventions
www.newmaninterventions.com
