Intervention

It has been said that no alcoholic has ever quit drinking because he or she wanted to. They quit because they finally reach bottom, a time of pain and consequence which results in reaching a Moment of Truth. Here the denial system breaks down, and the chemically dependent person can see reality as others see it, can see the disease for what it really is.

DENIAL: Chemical dependency is a Disease of Denial. Too often the chemically dependent person is unaware that he or she may have a disease. They also don't realize that it is the substance use itself which is making them ill, destroying their families, jobs or lives, or causing them the very problems which they cope with by more use. Too often, the chemically dependent person has NO IDEA of the degree that the disease has progressed. When told of behaviors or actions committed while under the influence, they think the family member is "crazy" or "against him or her", or "can't possibly understand the pressures and troubles."

WHEN ACTION IS NECESSARY: There may be a time when family and friends feel they need to take action on behalf of a drinker or other drug user, particularly if he or she is unable to comprehend the seriousness of their condition.

One effective method of helping the chemically dependent person is through what is known as an Intervention. An intervention is a process of bringing a person to a point of agreeing to enter a program for an evaluation and treatment of chemical dependency as appropriate.

THREE LEVELS OF INTERVENTION:

First, try a "casual", informal intervention by speaking to the chemically dependent person about your feelings and concerns. Share your concerns in a caring and compassionate manner, without judgement or criticism. Try to get the person to see the reality of the situation, but on a level that isn't angry or defensive. Leave little brochures, pamphlets or articles about alcoholism or drug dependency where the chemically dependent person can see them and read them.

Second, get help for yourself. Dependency is a family disease and families suffer, sometimes more than he alcoholic himself. Occasionally, when the alcoholic sees you changing and becoming healthier, it provides insight and motivation for his or her own change.

Third, if these do not work, try a "formalized" intervention. Here, Intervention is a process through which the family and friends come together and lovingly, but firmly, review the alcoholic's drinking, describing to the alcoholic how the drinking has affected them.

A formal Intervention seizes the seriousness of the situation, often a crisis of the moment, to utilize this opportunity as a turning point in the course of this disease. Very often, it's helping the chemically dependent person to see his "moment of truth."

GOAL OF INTERVENTION: The goal of the Intervention is not to get a person to stop drinking or using drugs. It is to help the person agree to a referral to a treatment program for consultation and help as necessary. The intervention attempts to present reality in a loving, caring and nonjudgemental fashion; to communicate the seriousness of the situation; to motivate the person to accept needed help; and to direct the person toward that help.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Most treatment agencies have an experienced Intervention Specialist who is willing to work with the family or employer to help train and arrange the Intervention. As most people need help in preparing for or facilitating the actual Intervention session, the place to start is by contacting a local Treatment Agency or your Employee Assistance Program for more information.

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