What is an intervention?
An intervention is a carefully planned meeting with a person who needs help. It is an opportunity for family members, co-workers and other key-individuals to express care and concern for an individual who has a problem with substances. Intervention creates an atmosphere of support and care for someone who is in crisis. The experience is powerful for the individual when members of the intervention team share their letters in a structured fashion. The result of intervention is change. Not all interventions result in a person going to a treatment center. It is critical that the intervention team responds to the crisis with care and support.
What an intervention is not….
An intervention is not just a way to get a person out of a temporary crisis. Individualized treatment plans can be designed for different addiction situations. Not everyone needs to go to a treatment center and not everyone needs to “Hit bottom” before they ask for help. An intervention is not a fight, or a “Witch hunt.” An intervention is not a time to “Gang up on someone to force them into a rehab." It must be clear to the intervention team that they are not forcing someone to do anything. An intervention is not disrespectful to the individual’s strengths and abilities. I do not assume that everyone needs an intervention and I do not assume that everyone needs to go to treatment for 30 days.
When is an intervention appropriate?
An intervention can be conducted for persons who are unwilling to accept help for substance use problems. However, Intervention can also be useful for persons who have already been to treatment and are not following their aftercare plan. Intervention can be an effective way for a family to help their loved one to avoid relapse.
When is intervention not appropriate?
In some psychiatric emergencies, it is not appropriate to perform an intervention. It is more appropriate to use emergency services if a person is in immediate danger of harming themselves. If a person is having a personal crisis that demands immediate psychiatric treatment because of immediate danger to self or others, then intervention is not appropriate. An intervention should not be performed if the family cannot refrain from acting on their anger toward the individual. It is not appropriate to include individuals in the intervention team that will distract from the expression of care and concern for the individual.
Are there different types of interventions?
Yes, interventions have traditionally been confrontational and forceful. I believe that an intervention does not have to be. Most of today’s interventions are planned and organized without the individual’s knowledge. Typically the element of surprise is used to enhance the emotional value of the intervention experience. There are interventions that are just as effective for individuals who have prior knowledge of the intervention. This is a case sensitive decision that must be individually evaluated.
