Sometimes, a person addicted to drugs or alcohol will refuse to admit that they have a problem, and an intervention might be necessary. Rather than an ambush, an intervention should be well planned and rehearsed, preferably with the assistance of a medical professional or counselor. There are even professionals known as intervention specialists who can be contacted for help. Ideally, the intervention will take place in a familiar setting while the addict is sober, and the participants will communicate how their actions are harming themselves and others. Sometimes, depending on the mood of the addict and whether they are prone to aggression, an intervention may take a turn for the worse. In these situations, it is best to take a step back and allow everyone to cool off, then try a different approach at a later time.
The first step in an intervention is gathering together the addict and any important people in his or her life for a face-to-face meeting. Typically, one thinks of family members conducting an intervention, but anyone from clergy to coworkers could be involved. If a professional is consulted, they will discuss what to expect with the group beforehand, including identifying excuses and objections that the addict might raise. If the concerned parties do wish to consult an interventionist for help, one place to start is by seeking someone with the proper certification, such as from the Association of Intervention Specialists. At this early point, it can also be helpful to determine the consequences for the drug user if they fail to seek help, such as cutting someone off financially or no longer living in the same house.
There are two common approaches to interventions, known as the Johnson intervention and the ARISE intervention. The Johnson model is the most common and relies on the idea that someone must hit rock bottom before they will be willing to seek help. The family or caregivers are heavily involved in the process, making this method better for those with a strong support network. The goal of the Johnson approach is to enter the addict into a treatment facility, a process which is often aided by the interventionist. The ARISE model is less confrontational and involves a series of “respectful, gentle” meetings. The addict is involved in the conversation from the start, as opposed to the intervention group setting rules and goals ahead of time, and communication and the strengthening of family bonds are key goals. ARISE also seeks to intervene at the earliest possible time, rather than waiting for the drug user to hit bottom.
No matter the method you choose to use or the effort put into planning, there is always the chance that an intervention can go wrong. Sometimes the drug user may feel attacked or alienated and will respond by either shutting down or become aggressive. If consequences are clearly stated and the user refuses to listen, at this point it is important to follow through. For example, if you threaten to cut someone off financially unless they seek help, continuing to provide them with money after they refuse will only enable them to continue abusing drugs. Even if the intervention does fail the first time, it is always possible to try again, seek a different approach, or enlist the help of a professional.
If you or a family member is thinking about getting help for addiction issues in Southern California, even if you’ve been through recovery before, there is help for you. Asana Recovery is committed to treating every person and their family members in recovery with respect and dignity while we provide personal care and attention. Call us today at 949-438-4504 to speak with one of our qualified admission counselors and start your journey towards a substance-free life.
