The Process of Intervention

An intervention is a process utilized to interrupt the harmful, progressive and destructive effects of chemical dependency and help the chemically dependent person to permanently stop using any mood-altering chemical. An individual who is chemically dependent has shielded their self with barriers of denial to keep from dealing with the debilitating truth about their disease. The goal of an intervention is to break down those defenses.
Upon being contacted by the family or employer of the patient, I arrange a meeting with the people who will be involved. We discuss what has happened to the family or job as a result of the patient's addiction. We discuss what the consequences will be if the patient refuses help. Every intervention is different and the consequences are as unique as the individuals involved.
During that initial meeting, I usually script out what the family will say to the patient. This includes telling the patient about the good qualities and how much the family cares. If there is a person financially supporting the patient or enabling in any other manner, they are told to stop.
I typically script out where everyone will sit and who will speak first and who will speak last. I prefer a living room type setting with a sofa and surrounding chairs. I will have the patient sit in the middle of the sofa with the family members sitting on both sides and other members sitting in the chairs. I generally request that young children not be included in the intervention. This is to allow the adults to speak freely, and preclude the children from feeling that it is some how their fault for all these people "picking on Mommy or Daddy".
If the patient is ready to go into treatment, I still have the family say what they had planned. This is to reinforce into the patient the seriousness of their disease and how it has affected the family. If a family member wants to say something in a negative or non-productive manner, I discuss ways in which they can say it in a positive manner. The initial meeting with the family typically lasts about two to three hours. If any follow-up sessions are required, they are discussed at that time.
Prior to performing the intervention, I have contacted and arranged for a facility which the patient can go to immediately. If in my observation the patient appears severely emaciated or otherwise seriously ill, I will suggest the patient go to a hospital first. Financial arrangements are also coordinated prior to the intervention which includes verifying insurance coverage. If the insurance and/or other funds are not readily available, I will arrange for low or no cost facilities the patient can go to.
Interventions can be stressful and traumatic for both the patient and the family. They can also be destructive and counter productive if not properly planned and coordinated. I therefore always recommend that you use a trained professional to assist you in the intervention.
Recovery begins when the client can start to go to the point of the pain and begin to look at it. Intervention is designed to help start this process.
For more information about an intervention, please call me at 615-414-2995 or email me at rebeccabullion@isdn.net.

Rebecca Bullion, LCSW