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What addictions are appropriate for an intervention?
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Any destructive behavior may be dealt with by an intervention. Addiction to alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and methamphetamines are certainly the most common. Also, prescription medications such as Xanex, Valium, Vicodin and Oxycodone are prevalent. But other behaviors and substances may also be grounds for intervention: gambling, food, sex, nicotine, eating disorders, body piercing, self mutilation, plastic surgery, kleptomania, shopping... Any problem with which I am not completely comfortable will be referred to an intervention specialist in that field.
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What happens if the intervention "fails"?
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Intervention is a process whose objectives are twofold. While the primary objective is to get the alcoholic/addict to enter a chosen treatment facility, the other equally important objective is to provide the necessary education and tools for everyone involved to begin the recovery and healing process regardless of the decisions and actions of the addicted person. From this broader perspective there can be no failure.
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What happens if the addicted person refuses treatment?
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Sometimes, though rare, the barriers of denial, pride, or sheer stubbornness are to powerful for even the best intervention to penetrate. We will spend a great deal of time prior to and (if desired) after the formal intervention learning about the tools and coping strategies for all involved. Again, the healing process should begin regardless of the decision made by the addicted individual.
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Also, it is important to note that sometimes an apparent "failure" becomes a success in the days, weeks or even months following an intervention. Such was the case with the intervention done by my family with me. My families intervention saved my life. However, on that particular day, it would have appeared that they had "failed".
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Who should participate in the intervention?
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Ideally, all of the most important people in the addicted persons life should participate. Family members, close friends, important co-workers, immediate supervisors(when appropriate), clergy... It is not necessary for every person to be physically present on the day of the actual intervention, a written message can be as effective. The actual make-up of the group present for the intervention will be determined in consultation with the interventionist. Anyone who is currently abusing drugs or alcohol should most likely be excluded.
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Where is the intervention held?
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This also is to be determined in consultation with the interventionist, but usually it is a setting in which the addicted person feels comfortable and safe, most often their home.
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How do I find an appropriate treatment facility?
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This will be one of the important areas of assistance provided by the interventionist. Depending on the various individual factors in your situation: type of addiction, level of toxicity, duration of abuse, current employment and family needs, financial situation including insurance status, geographic location... Together we will find the best possible place for your individual situation. I have connections at many facilities, but I am not affiliated or formally associated with any particular treatment organization.
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When is the best time for an intervention?
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In almost every case, now is the best time. We are talking about an extremely dangerous disease. Unfortunately too many times the bottom that is finally hit is permanent or extremely severe--prison or death. Undoubtedly the addicted person will have a myriad of reasons why tomorrow, next week, next month...would be better. This is rarely the case.
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What if there is a pending court date?
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Even in this fairly common situation it is usually better to go into treatment first. Even if this means missing the court appearance, it is almost always the best approach. Judges and courts will almost always grant a continuance for this reason. And the eventual consequences will be better with a certificate from an accredited facility.
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