The Intervention Process

- Intervention Process
- Models of Interventions

The process of an intervention:
An intervention is a very delicate and formal process that must be facilitated and properly executed by an intervention specialist. Using a certified professional interventionist ensures that all aspects and areas of the intervention process are identified and executed properly.

In order to effectively perform an intervention, an intervention team will be established and thoroughly prepared. Powerful, heart-felt letters should be written by each intervention team member. All parties involved will understand the purpose of the intervention. Detailed examples of the effects of the use, proof and/or clarification of consequences and erratic behavior will be discussed and placed into the intervention process. A treatment facility will be recommended as a solution for the addict.

There is no guarantee that the individual will accept treatment. However, using a professional interventionist will only ensure that everything is prepared, approached and executed properly. By performing the intervention properly, chances will drastically increase that the individual will immediately commit to going to a treatment center. If the addict does not immediately go into treatment, the intervention will release the family from being in the direct path of the disease, stop the enabling process, and plant a very powerful seed in the addict’s mind.

Every intervention is a success! Whether it be a success for the family and/or the addicted individual!

The four parts of the intervention process:
1) The assessment:
 Gathering any pertinent information about the addicted individual
 Identifying the best approach towards intervening on the individual
 Developing a powerful and productive intervention team
 Understanding the risks of intervening
 Discussing types and/or methods of treatment needed
 Awareness of the availability for treatment
 Pre-meeting arrangement and expectations
 Establishing the date and time of the intervention

2) Group Preparation:
 Understanding the goal of the intervention
 Understanding intervention procedures
 Roles that will be played by each team member
 Evaluation of three part letters
 Development of self-pledge
 Development of boundaries and consequences
 Discussing risks and objections
 Preparation of environment in which the intervention will be held
 Educating the team about addiction
 Knowledge of the effects of drug of choice
 All questions will be thoroughly answered

3) The Intervention-
 Approaching the addict with love and compassion
 Reading of the personal letters
 Overcoming objections
 Sharing detailed examples of erratic/bizarre behavior to the addict
 Offering treatment to the addict

4) Post-Intervention-
 Transportation of the Addict to a treatment facility
 Follow-up with family members
 Developing an after-care plan for family
 Debriefing of the intervention process
 Questions and concerns thoroughly discussed

When the family has made their final attempt towards getting the addict and themselves help from the disease of addiction, the healing process begins. Family counseling, Al-Anon meetings, and a briefing of the emotional process of the intervention will be discussed and what the actions the team needs to do in order to heal the emotional, spiritual, mental and financial damage that has transpired over the course of the addict’s usage.

Any two interventions are never the same. However, the process and the success are the same. Every intervention is successful for the addict, the family and/or friends. Ninety percent of addicts that are intervened upon by an intervention specialist will go into a treatment facility either that day or within 30 days of the intervention. The actual intervention can take 30 minutes to 5 hours.

Is there a possibility that the intervention will not work, or may possibly make things worse? ABSOLUTELY NOT! DOING NOTHING WILL MAKE THINGS WORSE!