Intervention Philosophy
There are many different tactics and styles of Interventions one may choose when working with a particular family and the decision in which method to utilize varies with each unique situation. Research into the family and background are essential when deciphering which philosophy would be the most effective in breaking down the "walls of denial" of the family members and the addicts themselves. The approach which has seemed most successful is a combination of all four modalities:
- Simple intervention: This approach is far overlooked most likely, because of its simplicity. In some cases, all it takes is a loved one or a trusted friend to intervene and request the “user” not to drink or use. If the addiction has spiraled downward this technique will simply not be enough and the next stage will likely ensue.
- Crisis Intervention: As the name implies, this is when the addict, family, or general population could be in a state of danger due to drunken driving, physical violence, or threats to themselves or to others. This is an opportune time for family members and loved ones to intervene. It may be the only moment in the addict’s life where they cannot deny the devastation their using has caused and may be open to any suggestions that can improve their lives.
- Classical intervention: Commonly known as Johnsons' Intervention, this method is used most frequently by interventionists from all around the world. The reason of its widespread use is due to the success rate of these particular interventions and has been utilized in some form or another for over thirty years. The main goal in this type of intervention is to get the "user" to enter treatment.
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Family involvement in the Johnson approach changes but there is always a “pre-intervention.” This is where the interventionist and the family, friends, and coworkers who may be participating in this process are made fully aware of what to expect from the addict, who has now realized he/she has been duped into what will surely feel like a trap. Training on how the guests should respond to the expected anger and manipulation of the user is explained in great detail.
- In most cases, the shock and embarrassment on the part of the user subsides and he or she becomes willing enough to listen. This is therapeutic for both parties because many of the feelings: anger, frustration, and fear that have built up within them for months sometimes years, finally has a healthy, expressive outlet. The benefits for the addict are to finally observe the pain and suffering that has been inflicted on their loved ones by them. Many times this is a huge revelation for the user, who believed they were only hurting themselves. This exchange becomes a powerful and very effective intervention tool.
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The family education does not cease after the addict agrees to enter into a treatment program. There have been lifelong habits of co-dependency on the part of the family members and they need to get help in order to keep their loved one in treatment and drug free. On-going treatment for many members of the family is essential for the health and happiness of the entire family unit.
- Family System Intervention: People refer to addiction as a family disease and there are valid reasons for this theory. The addict takes the family hostage and uses the love the family has for them and essentially blackmails them with that very same love. Many family members are also in denial with how far down the scale the addict may have gone. Family therapy may be necessary to recognize the roles that each member of the family has been placed in-willingly or not. Therapy can also teach each and every one of family the means by how to change their old behavior.
Firstly, they need to hold the addict accountable. It is essential to have very, clear consequences if a rule is broken. Consistency from all family members helps reinforce that the mistake will be taken very seriously. Follow-through with the consequences not only proves the family’s strength and growth as a unit, but also conveys to the user that there are consequences in all areas of life if rules are disregarded. This united front can sometimes have the greatest response on the addict; he/she now comprehends that regardless if they choose to comply with the rules-their family will.
These four methods of interventions can be used in isolation, or combined. After performing Interventions for twenty plus years and having extensively researched the best option for the user, the healthiest route for the family, and simply the highest success rate for all involved; the clear answer is that no family or addict is the same and one must use discernment, knowledge, and experience to arrive at the best philosophy for that specific family and the individual addict. A combination of all four philosophies, my own empathetic attitude, and personal life experiences will all factor into choosing which path will best work to bring about a healthy, happy and free family existence- once again.