Addiction intervention services aim to help the family of an addict convince their loved one of the damage their addictive behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. Most addicts cling to the belief that they will be able to overcome their addiction on their own, when they decide the time is right. Sadly, this is often an unrealistic expectation. The addict continues to abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in addictive behavior, often making and breaking promises to get clean or stop, and continues to spiral into low self-esteem, depression and further abuse. In order to save a loved one's life, an intervention is often necessary.
An interventionist's assistance may literally mean the difference between life and death.
Getting high is usually central to the lives of drug or alcohol addicts, as their primary concern becomes when and how to get high next. Likewise, behavioral addictions, such as hoarding or eating disorders, take center stage in the addict's life. This preoccupation may ultimately overshadow everything else that is of value to the addict, so it is critical to seek an interventionist's help before things progress to this stage. While there is hope even at this point, the situation becomes much more dire from both a mental and physical health perspective. An interventionist's assistance may literally mean the difference between life and death. If you or a loved one needs the service of an interventionist, contact us today. We have a vast network of professional interventionists all over the globe, and can put you in touch with one who can help your situation.
The Work of an Interventionist
People often seek out the aid of interventionists for their loved ones when their own attempts to address the problem fail, or they are unable to initiate the conversation to begin with. They may feel they have the same conversation repeatedly but the behavior ultimately remains the same. Addicts will often deny their addiction, saying it is not their problem and they don't need any help. Talking to an addict about the problem and convincing them to seek treatment are rarely easy tasks. Many people find they need intervention services to address the issue effectively.
Interventionists are experts in how to address an addict and ultimately persuade them to seek treatment. They are able to run an intervention that is organized and productive, navigating tricky waters when an addict responds in a defensive or even violent manner. An interventionist will keep the event on track, and even escort the addict to treatment following the intervention.
The interventionist's job involves the following:
Determine the addict's history of addiction
Make an analysis based on the provided information
Develop strategies for an effective event
Family and friends often make up the intervention team. If you're unsure who should be involved in the intervention, you can discuss potential team members with the interventionist. As a general rule, people who are important to the addict's life -- such as spouses or romantic partners, family members, close friends and even colleagues -- are appropriate choices. Children should only be involved if they are old enough to understand the event and desire to participate. Anyone who has addiction issues of their own should not participate, nor should those who have a negative relationship with the addict as personal issues should not be the focus of the intervention.
Family Interventions
Family members are often the ones who first contact an interventionist to initiate the event. Since they see the addict on a day-to-day basis, they are very familiar with the damage the addiction is wreaking on that person's life. Family interventions are often held at the family home as it's beneficial for the addict to feel comfortable during the process. Families may also choose to hold their intervention in a neutral location, such as an unused office space, church or healthcare center. Discuss possibilities with your interventionist to determine the best locale.
There are various models for intervention; however, team members commonly read letters aloud that they have written to the addict, detailing how the addict's behavior has hurt them. These letters are written beforehand, with the help of the interventionist, and may be revised based on feedback from the entire team. It's important to stress that the intervention is happening because all team members love and support the addict, and want to see them live a healthy life.
Workplace Intervention
Workplace interventions take place when a boss or coworker notices persistent addiction issues with someone in the workplace. Oftentimes, addicts have trouble maintaining their jobs. They may show up late or miss work altogether due to their addiction issues. Since addiction takes first place in an addict's life, other responsibilities, such as tasks at work, take a backseat to the addiction