Interventions

I understand addiction, codependency and recovery which allows me as an interventionist to bring you and your loved ones the most effective intervention possible. My specialty is connecting with all involved so everyone wins.

What is an intervention?

An intervention consists of a structured set of events (see below) designed to provide the inpidual suffering from the destructive consequences of his or her addiction a choice.  A professional interventionist typically works with family members and friends of the person with addiction. The primary goal of an intervention is to help the inpidual see not only the self-destructive patterns in his or her life, but also the possibilities of a life in recovery and direct him or her to seek treatment.

What doesn’t work?

Many interventions will have family members confront the addict in an effort to get them into treatment. This usually consists of sharing examples (with the addict) of how much harm he or she has caused the family. Initially, this approach appears successful; the family feels better because they had a chance to tell the addict how much pain the addict has caused, and the addict usually enters treatment. One problem with this type of intervention is that it is generally shame-based and essentially employs the same dynamic that the family and addict are already stuck in, i.e., the cycle of guilt, shame, anger, remorse, and codependency. Another problem is that once the addict is in treatment and the shame and guilt dissipate (and it always does), the addict will often leave treatment. The family then feels angry and frustrated and has less hope as they, and the addict, now believe treatment doesn’t work.

A successful intervention for any inpidual suffering with addiction consists of:

Following the family’s plan of effective treatment.

Staying clean.

Completing treatment and aftercare.

Transition to a viable lifetime support network to continue personal growth (the recovery process).

A successful intervention for the family consists of:

Working with an interventionist to determine what an effective treatment plan will be.

Facilitating the intervention.

Entering into their own plan of recovery as discussed with the interventionist while the addict is in treatment.

Continue with a viable lifetime support network to continue personal growth.

What kind of interventions do you do?

I facilitate what I call family-directed leverage-based interventions. I accomplish this by following the steps listed below.

*I speak to one or more family members to get s ome history of the addict’s use and the family’s codependency level.

*Based on this information, I give the family several treatment options and the pros and cons of each option.

*I then spend some time with the family members who will be involved in the intervention and discuss with them family dynamics regarding codependency and how the family has a role in perpetuating the addict’s addiction. We then develop a plan for the family to enter into their own recovery process.

*I then assist the family in developing leverage. Leverage might seem like a negative term, but it’s the key to long-term recovery. Leverage is not control or manipulation, but simply guidelines and boundaries for the addict so he or she can make an informed decision. Most addicts already want help, but fear blocks them from getting help. Leverage helps to override their fear so they can get the help they need.

*Once the family has identified their codependency, established leverage, and has a plan for their own recovery, the family discusses this with the addict. These options are presented in a non-confrontational, drama-free, and loving manner. The addict is given a choice to follow the plan of treatment or accept the consequences of the established leverage.

Since I am not emotionally involved, I will provide the addict with a choice that is clear and loving. All the family needs to do is follow my lead.  I charge a reasonable rate and find these interventions successful for both the addict and the family members. You don’t have to wait for the addict to decide to get help for you to get better. Call now and get the help you need. If you don't take action things will only get worse as addiction is a progressive disease.  Let me assist you to walk through your fears and discover the solution you have been seeking.