Discussing Motivators For Interventions

interventionist

Talking to alcoholics and addicts objectively is useless more often than not. Sometimes the substance abuser reacts angrily and storms off or will agree with the fact that his or her behavior is dangerous, only to continue doing it time and time again. Often people are powerless to stop themselves because that requires overcoming denial, eradicating the underlying problems they face, identifying inner characteristics that enable success and having the courage to find new coping skills. Interventions provide the much-needed helping hand for the alcoholic or drug user, offering a tool box of options to help the person move on from self-destructive behavior. A professional interventionist will personally invest him or herself in the substance abuser's life, providing counseling, resources and medical intervention if necessary.

To begin planning an intervention, family members and friends will assemble a persuasive team of people who are committed to seeing the troubled individual succeed. The group should consist of people who are capable of communicating in a non-accusatory, sensitive, honest and loving manner, who won't explode angrily or thwart the group's overall objective. The group members must be willing to voice their concerns, look the addict in the eye and say "You have a problem."

Commonly, interventions require each member of the group to read a paragraph expressing their feelings, so the team members must be prepared to do this. If the individual refuses abuse treatment, then the team members must be prepared to issue a decree stating the consequences and all people involved must remain firm. Sometimes this means refusing money, shelter or other enabling behaviors.

Change is often prompted by the inability to make any other choice. Many abusers, when confronted with the gravity of the situation will turn around, although most teary interventions are successful because the individual finally realizes the pain he or she has caused family and friends, or feels overwhelmed by the amount of support that has come together on his or her behalf.

Prior to interventions, the group must determine what sort of substance abuse treatment can be facilitated. Many phone calls will need to be made to determine how the treatment can be paid for, if there is availability and if it's the right approach for that particular individual. Most of the 10,000 alcohol and drug treatment centers in the US take the 12-step approach, like the one used at Alcoholics Anonymous, but other treatment centers may take a more holistic approach, a gender-specific approach or a religious-based approach. Some clinics offer hypnotherapy, group counseling, one-on-one counseling, skill assessments geared toward self-empowerment, anger management therapy, fitness/nutrition training and job skills assistance. Brainstorm to find the intervention plan that is most suitable and affordable.

The good news is that you do not have to plan interventions on your own. There are many community resources that are just a phone call away. A professional interventionist will discuss intervention programs and treatment options with you, help devise a successful intervention plan and arrange a meeting with the substance abuser. Sure, there is always the risk that the afflicted person will refuse the intervention, but the alternatives are far worse. Could you live with yourself knowing that you did not do all that you could do?