You may be familiar with the intervention approach. This is a therapy where a group of people who are intimately connected to the targeted individual stage an orchestrated attempt to get help for that person. Usually, family and friends stage the intervention.
There are many addictions and issues intervention can address, including alcoholism, drug abuse, gambling addiction, eating disorders, and self-harm. It can even be used to encourage victims of abuse to get out of damaging situations.
Intervention can be either “direct” or “indirect.” A direct intervention is the one most commonly thought of, where the group of family and friends stage an “ambush” for the person struggling with addiction or abuse. “Indirect” interventions are where the therapist works with the family and encourages them to assist the troubled individual in more positive ways.
Individuals suffering from addiction are often surrounded by well-meaning but co-dependent families and friends that act as enablers for the addict. This can create a cycle where the addict is never truly encouraged to get well, as their actions are indirectly supported by others.
An intervention approach is not just targeted at the addict, but also the addict’s support group. They require prior coordination with an interventionist and the addict’s family and friends. This counseling is intended to show the support group how their actions are helping the addict continue destructive behaviors. Often, the group will write personal letters to the addict regarding how the addict’s behavior has affected them negatively, and the letters often involve consequences if the behavior continues.
Consequences could include loss of monetary support, housing, or no contact with loved ones. Interventions, if properly staged, either end with the addict declining therapy and dealing with the consequences promised, or the addict agreeing to accept help. Most of the time, the help involves the addict checking into an inpatient clinic.
Interventions have been used since the 1960s, and there is a fair amount of controversy surrounding them. Some critics say the “ambush” approach can do more damage than good, but there’s no evidence of interventions being harmful. For some families, intervention is a last-ditch attempt to reach an individual who is in danger of hitting rock bottom.
At Drug Treatment Center Finder, we provide a wide range of talented interventionists from around the country. If you are planning on using an intervention approach on a loved one, make sure to talk with several therapists to find the one you’re most comfortable with; you’ll be working with that person after the intervention is over, as well.
