DRUG INTERVENTION INFORMATION FAQs:
Q: What is an intervention?
A: It is a structured process, facilitated by a trained professional (known as an "interventionist"), intended to encourage the drug addict to seek treatment. It generally involves the addict's family members and friends, who all play a part in helping the addict see the need to make a choice to get well.
Q: When is an intervention necessary?
A: There are some cases when an addict is simply unwilling or unable to acknowledge the collateral damage their drug using behavior causes to those around him or her. In these situations, the intervention process brings these behaviors into sharp focus, compelling the addict to take immediate positive action.
Q: I'm worried about an intervention being abusive. Is it?
A: "Abusive" connotes behavior that is intentionally insulting, harmful or injurious. This is never the case with a professional interventionist. Breaking through the fortress of denial that surrounds the addict is, by definition, confrontational-considering how completely the addict is out of touch with the reality of the situation. While words may be exchanged and tears may be shed, the addict will, at all times, be treated with compassion, respect and dignity.
Q: What happens during an intervention?
A: It's important to remember that the interventionist (and all professionals in the field of drug treatment) view addiction as a disease. Therefore, the addict is treated with the same compassion and understanding that would be shown to anyone dealing with a chronic, life-threatening illness. Intervention isn't boot camp, nor is it a chance for everyone to "unload" their frustrations on the addict.
The interventionist is trained to guide the process of helping the addict hear what those who care about him or her need to say, while assuring that the addict's concerns, fears and doubts are heard and addressed, as well.
When the intervention is complete, the ideal outcome will be the immediate placement of the addict in a treatment center.
Q: Is the intervention expensive?
A: Planning an intervention can cost thousands of dollars, and some insurance programs may not cover this aspect of treatment. The question of whether this process is "expensive" is usually outweighed by the hope it offers of helping a loved one regain their physical, emotional and spiritual health.
For most families, if intervention can bring back the person who's been lost behind all the heartaches of addiction, they don't consider the cost to be expensive.