Drug and Alcohol Addiction Interventions

Treating an addiction is ultimately the responsibility – and the decision – of the addict themselves. But family and friends who would like the addict to seek treatment do have tools they can use to push their loved one toward getting help.

What are drug interventions?

Addiction Interventions. Interventions use the power of love and concern to break through the addict's denial and get him or her to enter drug rehab. Successful interventions are carefully thought out and planned, sometimes with the aid of a professional interventionist.

Some people mistakenly think of an intervention as an emotional ambush, or uncaring attack – but proper interventions are not like that at all. Done the right way, interventions are a life-saver – most professional interventionists will convince at least 85 percent of the addicts they handle to enter a treatment facility.

I've seen intervention "reality shows" on TV, can't I just copy that for my family's own intervention?

No. Not all addiction situations are the same. Using someone else's intervention strategy in your own household could be less effective, or worse, could backfire and drive the addict deeper into substance abuse.

There may be one – and only one – opportunity to approach the sick person and convince them to enter treatment. Don't blow that chance.

What different kinds of intervention structures are there?

The two main intervention approaches are the so-called Johnson Model - in which loved ones meet with the interventionist to plan without the knowledge of the addict – or the Systemic Family Intervention, which includes the addict in the education and preparation stages.

There are risks associated with both approaches: the first features an element of surprise that may make the addict feel angry or resentful. The second is more inclusive and respectful, but allowing the addict to participate in the planning stages of an intervention creates an opportunity for some addicts to hijack and ultimately sabotage the process.

The common thread in both intervention approaches is family members or friends reading letters they've written that express their love for the addict, their concern for the addict's behavior, and an appeal that the person gets help. Love is the key ingredient here. "An intervention that is shaming and confrontational is not a good intervention," Bob Poznanovich, a Minnesota-based intervention specialist, told the Chicago Tribune. The invention concludes with an ultimatum: the addict enters drug or alcohol rehab or faces serious consequences. Possible consequences include divorce, loss of financial support or criminal charges.

A way to "raise the bottom"

Much has been written about the importance of drug addicts or alcoholics hitting "rock bottom" in order to successfully enter recovery. The idea is that an addict who hasn't hit the absolute depths of their disease won't be ready for addiction treatment, and will resist the behavior and attitude changes necessary to stop using.

The problem with waiting for every addict to hit rock bottom is some will die, get arrested, or suffer great, irreversible harm before they get there.

Interventions strive to "raise the bottom" and convince the addict to seek help sooner. "Family and friends have more power than they believe they have," Brad Lamm, a former addict-turned intervention expert, told the Denver Post. "I suggest we look at the family's 'bottom' as 'we can't get any sicker.' Being 'ready' is a myth. That's what we do in intervention, we get people ready."

Besides drugs and alcohol, interventions have helped change the lives of those dealing with a variety of other addictions, including gambling, sex, eating disorders, and overspending.

The importance of professional guidance

Here's an example of why a family's best intentions are sometimes not enough:

Kim Brymer's mother tried to intervene on her own when she noticed her daughter's out-of-control cocaine and alcohol use. But Brymer – despite having lost multiple jobs, her house and her husband – kept using.

One time, when Brymer's mom urged her daughter to accept God's will, Brymer responded "F God."

A professional interventionist later stepped in and convinced Brymer, a 41-year old Nashville resident, that it was time for treatment. Brymer decided to go through rehab and has been clean for a month, The Tennessean reported. "I know, for me, it saved my life," said Brymer, who had attempted suicide twice. "The only other rock bottom there was for me was death."

Call Treatment Solutions Network today at 877-417-6237 for professional guidance on whether an intervention is the right step at this time, and, if so, what intervention approach should be used.

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance – we can help you with an addiction intervention. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury rehab programs.