Intervention FAQs

Do you have a family member or loved one who needs a little push in the direction of recovery from their drug or alcohol addiction? Intervention may be a positive step.

What is an intervention?

An intervention is a situation in which a person or persons attempt to convince another person to obtain professional help for addiction.  Due to the nature of an intervention, it is best practice to have a certified interventionist present with the family and friends of the addict. Everyone involved with the intervention should have the addict’s best interest in mind, and depending on the situation, children can play a powerful role in the intervention, but their presence should be decided on a case by case basis.

Who leads the intervention?

Interventions should be led by a certified interventionist.  With the rising popularity of interventions there are many so-called interventionists out there, make sure to check credentials when hiring one.  There are many benefits of having a certified interventionist on-site during the intervention including their professional expertise, ability to remain neutral, and to maintain the legality of the situation.

Who is in need of an intervention?

Interventions are mostly attributed to cases of drug and alcohol abuse. However, interventions have additionally been used for smoking, excessive eating, workaholics, and other compulsive behaviors. The need for the intervention arises when the addict is in denial of his or her issue and all other attempts at getting them help have failed.

Who invented the intervention?

The modern idea of an intervention is generally attributed to Dr. Vernon Johnson. Dr. Johnson started interventions in 1960. The Johnson Model for intervention is one through which the addict is confronted, via surprise, by a group of individuals known to that person.

Everyone involved with the intervention should have the addict’s best interest in mind.

What types of intervention exist?

There are three other major models used today in addition to the Johnson model. The Storti Model is similar to the Johnson model except for the fact that it focuses on creating a nurturing environment. The other two models used today differ from the Johnson and Storti models in that they take out the method of surprise. The addict is “invited” to take part in the intervention. The focus of the intervention is shifted from one person, to the group as a whole.

What are the drawbacks of interventions?

Interventions have saved countless individuals from addictions. However, they are not without their detractions. The “ambush” methods generally draw the most criticism. The main conundrum stems from the fact that the addict is typically in denial, yet the surprise nature of the intervention can cause the addict to be ultra defensive. The deceptive nature of the surprise intervention can set the addict on edge, despite the good intentions of family and friends. Also, there has be

Are interventions legal?

Interventions have drawn criticism by those believing the addict is being held against their will, which is incorrect if executed properly.  In most cases this is combated by having a licensed professional lead the intervention.

Where do interventions take place?

In most cases, interventions take place in a comfortable surrounding for the addict. With the actual intervention being such a difficult situation for the addict, anything that can be done to put that person at ease is helpful.

Is an intervention a cure?

No, interventions are merely a means to convince the addict to seek professional help. In most cases, the addict’s disease has progressed so much at the point of an intervention that addiction recovery treatment is the only answer.

How successful are interventions?

Interventions are only as successful as the people that participate. Those engaging the addict need to voice their opinions strongly without seeming combative. It can be a very difficult process that requires much patience.  There is no way to tell how the addict will react to an intervention, so despite planning and good intentions, the addict’s reaction will ultimately decide if the intervention is a success or not.