Intervention is more than an event, or a single confrontation with the chemically-dependent person. Intervention is a process that begins a life-long journey to recovery for both the chemically dependent person and the people who care about him/her.

Overview of Steps Taken for Intervention

1. Referral
   When receiving the initial call, the interventionist will determine where the referral came from and why families, employers, and friends have called.  The caller will  then be directed to and recommended to answer the questionnaire on this web site. This will be the next step and will clarify that an intervention could help the entire family as well as verify behaviors of the addict.
2. Assessment
   This is where the interventionist will screen for appropriateness of an intervention and set up trust between client and interventionist. The interventionist will help the client to decide which style of intervention will be used, type of treatment selected based on type of addiction, recommend meetings for family members, verify insurance benefits, and overcoming objections. This procedure can be done in person or on the phone. The family members will start their recovery at this point.
3. Education
   With a combination of visual charts, some videos, and numerous handouts the interventionist will discuss the disease concept, the family enabling to date and behaviors that encourage and discourage the continuation of usage.  This session can be divided into one or two sittings depending on the team and their availability.  These sessions help the loved ones to solidify that they are doing the right thing for their addict as well as for themselves.  The secrets in the family system are also revealed and the healing begins.
   
4. Prepare & Practice
   This is the time when the members of the team write letters, practice reading them, and do role playing so they each know what to expect at the time of the intervention.  We will talk about how behaviors are perceived. The family members are generally living in reality while the addict is living in a perception of what is happening.  We do not want any surprises at the intervention and the team needs to be empowered with the ability to share without being interrupted and heard by the addicted person. We become a support system instead of being on opposite sides.
5. Dress Rehearsal
   This is part of the prepare and practice unless all team members were not available for some reason and we will then discuss last minute details and overcome objections that may be given to us at the last minute.  Also, if necessary we will discuss any bottom lines (new behaviors from the family, friends, or employer) if the person decides not to accept the gift of treatment.
   
6. Intervention
   We will communicate with the addicted person love and the seriousness of their addiction.  Possibly have a contract to be signed. Take to treatment. 
7. Post-Intervention
   The interventionist will work with the family members and the treatment center to be sure that the arrangements that were made are kept, the treatment is as expected and the family members are going to their meetings for themselves.  The interventionist will meet with the entire team and the addict upon completing treatment if they are in the local area and need continued support.

Pat now offers The Johnson method, modified Storti model, invitational/systemic model and A.R.I.S.E Interventions. Call early, when you suspect a problem, and ask her about each of these to see which would fit best for you.

What is the objective of an intervention?

Interventions are not just for the addicted person (sometimes referred to as the identified patient). The intervention is for the entire family system. The object is to educate and change the environment so that even if the person does not agree to go into treatment, the family now has tools and a fresh perspective on dealing with the addict in their life.

When does an intervention fail?

1. Poor preparation such as too short a time, poor selection of team members or lack of rehearsal.
2. No professional "clout". This is necessary for success, as it takes the pressure off the team members who may not be able to outline realistic consequences.
3. If any of the team members become enablers, sabotage the process, or become hostile or uncaring.
4. If education has not explained to the team how to separate the person from the disease.
5. When the selection of the site and time is not appropriate.

What makes interventions successful?

1. Conducted by experienced and trained facilitator.
2. Interventions are caring and not punitive.
3. Allow adequate time for goals and objectives to be defined by everyone.
4. Select holistic support team, family, employer, church, friends, neighbors can all serve as good team members.
5. One or two education sessions and practicing the roles of the team members.
6. Interrupting the destructive patterns.
7. The team must TRUST the interventionist.
8. Calling the interventionist early rather than later.

When do you need an intervention?

1. When nothing else has worked.
2. When it becomes urgent and unsafe to allow the behavior to continue.
3. When the family feels that they have hit a bottom.
4. When the concerned persons still have love for the person.