Interventions
An intervention is an opportunity for recovery. Led by a trained addiction interventionist, it is the chance for family,
friends and/or employers to learn about addictions. An intervention is a great act of love!
Interventions should never be used for the purpose of shaming, blaming, attacking or expressing anger. They are used by
loved ones to show the trouble that they, the addict, are in. Though denial is a chief symptom of addiction, addicts
will usually have feelings of shame, pride and guilt that will not allow them realistically self-assess. Addicts have
typically lost the ability to ask for help and so they live with the assumption that they can stop on their own and
don't need help.
Basically there are two types of addiction intervention, the Johnson Model and the Systemic Family Intervention. The first
is where the loved ones meet with an interventionist and prepare for the intervention without the addict knowing. The other
is where the addict is involved in the education and preparation. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. The
Johnson approach has the element of suprise, but the patient may feel angry, resentful and ambushed. The Systemic Family
approach helps the addicted to feel more inclusive and respected, but also can allow the person to either escape or sabotage
the process in some way.
Read about other addictions.