Denial is an integral part of addiction. If you care about someone who has an alcohol or drug problem, there is a good chance that you will be aware of and concerned about the problem long before the person does. Most people will seek help or treatment only after the family, friends, or employer intervene.
Intervention comes from the Latin word which means "to come between." It is necessary to place a mirror between the chemically dependent person and the drinking/using so that the reality of the problem can be seen. There are a variety of ways an intervention can occur:
• Family members or friends talk to the person and encourage treatment.
• The employer requests an evaluation/treatment because of lowered job productivity related to using.
• In addition to family members and others addressing the person's using, a counselor from Breakthrough can assist in the process of helping the person face the problem.
Intervention FAQ's
1. What resources are available to learn about intervention?
- The participants begin by learning about the illness of chemical dependency. To do so, one may contact a member of the Breakthrough staff and make an appointment to discuss the topics of addiction and intervention. Next, the participants learn about the elements of intervention. Again, the Breakthrough staff is a wonderful resource regarding this educational process. In addition, there are two books which are recommended by Breakthrough: Intervention. A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Friends of Chemically Dependent Persons by Vernon E. Johnson, D.D. and Training Families to Do a Successful Intervention published by the Johnson Institute. Both of these books are available for purchase at Breakthrough as are a number of other addiction and recovery related materials.
2. Who is involved in an intervention?
- It usually involves a small group of family members, friends and other people who are significant in the person's life. These people attend preparation sessions prior to the actual intervention.
3. How does one prepare for the actual intervention?
- The purpose of an intervention is to give effective feedback to the dependent person about his / her behavior while using drugs or alcohol and consequences of further use. Therefore, after investigating the resources listed above, each participant prepares for the process by identifying specific, factual information related to the drinking/using behavior. If anything is to blame, it is the alcohol or the drug, not the family member or friend. So, clearly differentiate between the alcohol-induced behavior and the person. Do not be afraid to try to recreate the feelings about specific events. In the moment of emotional intensity, it is easy to forget important details so it may be helpful to develop notes prior to the intervention that will be referred to during the actual process. Ultimately, the purpose of the intervention is to give the person options based on clearly stated consequences for continued use. These consequences must be realistic, dependent upon easily measurable behavior, and must be upheld.
4. What if the person argues with the feedback being given?
- Do not argue or try to defend details of material being presented. Think of an intervention as a meeting where you are giving the person the gift of your honest and caring observations. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to make a choice to seek out a healthier lifestyle. It is important to remember that the focus of the intervention is to give the person the gift of honest and caring observations, not to make that person do anything.
Always keep this phrase in mind as you prepare for or are involved in an intervention:
"Speaking the truth in love."
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