What is Intervention?
An intervention is a well-planned, carefully structured process in which a gathering of people (family, loved ones, employers, coworkers, and doctors) joins in lovingly but firmly confronting the alcoholic/addict with his or her illness and the necessity of beginning treatment. It is an opportunity to express love for the person suffering from addiction or compulsive behaviors. It is the best hope of getting a loved one into treatment and then recovery.
Types of Addictions?
Alcoholism, drug addiction (including prescription drug dependency), sexual compulsivity, compulsive gambling, compulsive spending, toxic relationships, co-dependency, nicotine addiction and eating disorders (from compulsive overeating, binge eating, and bulimia to restricting and anorexia nervosa).
How Do We Proceed?
Each intervention is individually designed for the specific family, employer, or group of friends arranging it. This includes who will be a part of the intervention, what type of treatment is necessary and what parameters the current work and legal circumstances will require.
How Long Will It Take?
Again, interventions are individual processes; therefore, from the time we first speak until the intervention has been completed, it could take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, sometimes even longer. All of this is dependent upon how detailed the intervention needs to be and what special requirements and needs each person may have. During the process of preparing for the intervention, we will need to meet a minimum of 2-3 times.
Does Treatment Work?
Absolutely, treatment works, and so do interventions. Not everyone gets well the first time they go through treatment; however, many do. And of those who relapse, most will eventually find their way, if they have a positive support system and a link into the treatment world (counselors, alumni groups, & treatment centers themselves).
What is Addiction?
Some people say that addiction is a pathological relationship with a substance or behavior. Some believe addiction is something that a person cannot stop. I believe that both of these are accurate, and that addicts are suffering from a spiritual crisis—that the addiction itself has been adaptive for them, until it began to take them over (leaving few remnants of the person that friends and family have loved).
Questions?
Call me. Let’s dialogue about your situation and see if an intervention is the best fit for your situation. Initial consultations are given at no charge.