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Intervention
Definition:
An intervention is an orchestrated attempt by one, or often
many, people (usually family and friends) to get someone to
seek professional help with an addiction or some kind of traumatic
event or crisis. The term intervention is most often used
when the traumatic event involves addiction to drugs or other
items. Intervention can also refer to the act of usinga technique
within a therapy session.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intervention_(counseling)
Description:
Teen Intervention:
Teens Using Drugs and Alcohol
Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction
Intervention is a process of uniting loved ones, related to
or friends of an individual struggling with alcohol addiction
, drug addiction, or prescription drug addiction.
An Intervention is necessary when an individual struggling
with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or prescription drug
addiction is in denial of the problem, yet the chaos and destruction
of behaviors is evident to loved ones, family, and friends.
IT WORKS!
Intervention works! Addiction Treatment works! However, it
can be difficult to get an individual to treatment. Most people
do not know the exact nature of the problem or situation for
which self-medication behavior eases the pain. Whether it
is the individual alcoholic or addict, or the loved ones involved,
most people are unable to identify the underlying issues,
prior to addiction treatment. An individual might be struggling
with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Trauma
or a lack of appropriate coping skills might also be the underlying
issues. Regardless, an Intervention works and treatment works,
if the individual struggling with addiction can find his/her
way to help.
Steps to an Intervention:
Teen Intervention
Teens Using Drugs and Alcohol
Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction
Pre- Intervention
The Pre-Intervention Step, is the time in which you decide
you can’t take this behavior, chaos, and self-destruction
anymore. This is the time when you take action. You, loved
ones, family, and friends, plan to unite to discuss the next
steps.
During the Pre-Intervention Step, you will contact the INTERVENTIONIST,
to discuss the history you’ve experienced with the individual
who is struggling with alcohol addiction or drug addiction
or prescription drug addiction. Once you’ve contacted
the INTERVENTIONIST, the following steps are easier and guided
by your INTERVENTIONIST, who will give you support, validate
your concerns, and provide guidance thorough the INTERVENTION
process.
Preparation
The Preparation Step, is the time in which you gather a history
of the chaos and self destruction of the individual struggling
with addiction, and the impact his/her behavior or addiction
has had on you, your life and other people and their lives.
The Preparation Step is also a time in which you discuss the
appropriate treatment program for your loved one. You will
decide on a treatment program and decide on the payment method.
The Preparation Step is a time in which you and everyone else
involved in the INTERVENTION will write letters to the alcoholic
or addict, describing your concerns, your feelings, the purpose
for the intervention, and your hope for the future. You will
also pack appropriate clothes and necessities for the individual
who will enter a treatment facility.
Intervention
The Intervention Step is the act of the INTERVENTION. At this
time, everyone involved in the INTERVENTION will gather in
one location. Everything will have been planned and discussed
with your INTERVENTIONIST. Your letters will be ready. Everyone
will be gathered at the Intervention location.
Your loved one will arrive or will be sleeping and then awaken
by you or another individual. The Intervention, at that time,
will begin. You might encounter an angry, surprised, or defensive
loved one. You might have a difficult time or an easy time,
sharing your intentions of this INTERVENTION. Your loved one
might even refuse to participate and leave the location.
If your loved one agrees to stay and proceed with the INTERVENTION,
he/she will sit in a chair and will be instructed as to the
purpose of the intervention and the steps that will follow.
Communication is extremely important. Loving, positive, yet
firm and direct communication is imperative.
Everyone will read their letters. Many of the letters will
refer to the destruction caused by alcohol addiction, drug
addiction or prescription drug addiction. Letters will be
emotional and typically include painful memories of the chaos
of addiction. Once the letters have been read, your loved
one will have an opportunity to respond. The INTERVENTIONIST
will facilitate this entire process, re-directing as needed.
The final step of the INTERVENTION is to explain that your
loved one’s bags are packed and ready for his/her treatment
program. Transportation will be waiting.
Everyone will say their goodbyes and your loved one will leave
with the INTERVENTIONIST for the beginning of the addiction
treatment program.
Post-Intervention
Post Intervention for the alcoholic or addict begins with
the transportation to an addiction treatment facility.
Post Intervention for the family of the alcoholic or addict
begins, once the loved one has departed the INTERVENTION location.
During the Post Intervention, family members and friends discuss
their experience and validate their letters, feelings, and
concerns . It is the beginning of a hopeful and healing journey
to recovery for the alcoholic or addict and family and friends.
Author: Karen Corcoran MS, MFT, APA
11/19/2009
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