Answer Addiction

Tag: alcoholic intervention

  • My daughter or son is an alcoholic: What can I do?

    My daughter or son is an alcoholic: What can I do?

    Watching a child lose themselves in alcohol addiction can make parents feel helpless. If you suspect, “My child is an addict!”, there is no magic bullet or good advice that can stop an addiction and so when most people see their son or daughter slipping into alcoholism, they simply do not know how to stop it. Here, we review some practical suggestions in addressing a suspected alcohol problem within your family. We invite your questions about treatment or family therapies for addiction in the comments section at the end.

    STEP 1: The Old Ways May Not Be The Best

    Many parents, upon discovering their children have an alcohol problem, resort to traditional parenting reactions. They attempt to punish their child. This could be cutting them off from “bad friends”, Sending them to their room, Taking away privileges or even just getting angry and yelling. These methods may have worked in the past, but chances are, they will not work to treat an addiction. The two reasons for this are that, 1) if they are old enough to get alcohol, they are probably old enough to have some independence which means traditional punishments are harder to enforce. 2) Punishing an addict does nothing to fight the addiction. So, your first step is to recognize that what you used to do…is broken, and that you need to seek alternative ways of coping.

    STEP 2: Talk To Them

    People with an alcohol problem do not respond to anger, they respond to empathy. Someone who is drinking too much may already feel depressed or isolated, punishing them further really only serves to increase their urge to drink. The best way to approach an alcohol addiction is to talk to the person. Do not do this when they are drunk, wait until they are sober, and maybe even a bit hung over. Tell the person that you are worried about them, that you care for them and that you just want to help.

    Also remember to go to them with evidence and ideas. What this means is, before you speak to anyone about an alcohol addiction, it is important to gather evidence to prove they have a problem. No evidence means they can just deny everything. Once you have the evidence, the ideas come into play. Find a list of treatment options so you can have them ready for the talk. Ideas of the treatments available will show the addict that there is a way out. It is like offering a ray of hope.

    STEP 3: Take Action

    Once you have spoken to your child about a possible addiction to alcohol, it is time to take action. If you can, go with them to speak to a doctor about the condition, Speak to a counsellor or look at a treatment centre. All of these options can be effective in getting treatment but it may be hard to get your son or daughter to embrace them.

    If you are having trouble, speak to a doctor, counselor or treatment centre yourself. They can offer advice and some comfort. It is also a good idea to look into some family support groups. There are organisations out there that are designed to support the families of alcoholics. They are full of people just like you that have gone through it all before and may be able to help.

    You Can Only Do So Much

    Addiction is often called a family disease because it affects everyone around it, but when it comes to treating addiction, The Addict has to make the first move. If you have Offered help and provide your son or daughter with treatment options, there is not a lot more you can do. Most addicts that actually kick their habit do so because they decide to.

    If someone does not want to quit, there is very little that can be done to treat them. A good example of this is people in prison treatment programs. These people do not have access to drugs or alcohol for years at a time but once they get out many go right back to using. This is because they were forced to stop rather than choosing to stop themselves. Until someone decides they want to get better, they will not respond well to treatment. If your son or daughter is refusing treatment, attend family support meetings and get yourself some help and support. The only other thing you can do is keep encouraging the addict to go to treatment.

    The road is not easy

    This may not seem like an easy road or the answer most people want to hear but it is the truth. Having a child with an alcohol addiction is never easy but with help love and support, most people can get better. We invite your questions or comments in the section below and will try to respond to you personally and promptly.

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Intervention for Alcoholism

    Intervention for Alcoholism

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: An alcohol intervention is when a group of family and friendsconfront a loved one about problem drinking. In this article, we cover the basic aspects of an alcohol intervention, plus we offer tips on how to plan the whole process. Your questions are welcomed at the end.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 15 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Interventions aim to change behavior.

    What is an Alcohol Intervention?

    Interventions are combination of strategies designed to produce behavior changes to improve an individual’s health. Interventions can take place in different settings such as worksites, schools, home, faith-based organizations, or health care facilities.Interventions that include multiple strategies are typically the most effective in producing the required change. [1]

    An alcohol intervention is the process of asking a loved one with a drinking problem to go to rehab. Interventions can be informal or formal. Informal interventions occur in the moment, and can be a simple discussion. A formal intervention is when a group of people confront the person in an effort to convince them to seek help for their alcoholism.

    An intervention for alcoholism has three main goals:

    1. To change the beliefs, attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the person.
    2. To increase social support and cooperation.
    3. To get the person into rehab.

    An intervention is most successful when led by a professional.

    Do Alcohol Interventions Work?

    Yes!

    Most people diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder don’t see that they have a problem. In fact, they are in denial, and don’t want to see reality as it is.

    But, you can help a loved one break through denial by staging an intervention. You may have only one chance to stage the intervention, and the best way to do it is with a help of intervention specialist.

    An interventionist is a professional who is trained in staging interventions. Their job is to help friends and family to create a plan. They are there to carry out the alcohol intervention. The best thing is that an interventionist will consider all potential issues that may arise. Their experience is truly valuable.

    Asking for help from a specialized interventionist is highly recommended if the person who is dealing with drinking problems has other serious condition including:

    • Mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
    • Polydrug use
    • Suicidal attempts
    • Violent behavior

    Interventions get people into treatment.

    The Intervention for Alcoholism Process

    Staging and planning an alcohol intervention is a long process. It can take a lot of time and energy for family and friends to prepare for the whole process. And if you want to do it right, plan to spend days to weeks with a professional getting ready for the big day. There are many types of intervention, but most of them follow these basic steps:

    STEP 1: Meet with an intervention specialist.

    Asking help from an interventionist can be the crucial step for the family. Licensed or certified professionals are experienced in choosing the right words and providing the right environment for change. They can help the family in understanding alcoholism as a disease, and offer the best approach to each specific case.

    STEP 2: Chose the right time and place for the intervention.

    An intervention can be set up in any place that provides privacy. This may be a neutral place like a rented space, an interventionist’s office, school, worksite, or even the alcoholic’s home. The important thing is that the loved one should not feel defensive or ambushed. You’ll need to invite the loved one to join the group meeting and be clear about what it’s about. This is called an “invitational intervention”.

    STEP 3: Plan ahead what will be said during the intervention.

    This is the most important step for a successful alcohol intervention. Each member should decide in advance what they will say. With the help of an interventionist, the group should gather information about the loved one’s drinking and their behavior when under the influence. Moreover, you’ll need to include situations when the alcoholic had outburst due to their drinking, as well as state how their drinking affectsyou. It is helpful to write down everything you wish to say, although sometimes, you can just speak from your heart.

    STEP 4: Carry out the intervention.

    This is when professional guidance is key. Once the individual is there, the interventionist will ask them to sit and listen to what is being said. Then, each member of the group will say or read the reasons why they believe that the individual have a drinking problem, and why they need treatment. Usually, the intervention ends with the group giving the individual option to choose either enroll into treatment and quit drinking or face consequences, such as cutting out financial or emotional support.

    The group also commits to their own health and well-being, as alcoholism is a family disease. A successful intervention has the potential to transform not just the person with a drinking problem, but an entire family. [2]Group members can seek help through talk therapy, self-care, and ongoing counseling.

    STEP 5: Follow up an intervention.

    After the intervention, the individual has a choice to make either quit drinking or face the consequences. The interventionist provides information about the treatment options and explains them to the alcoholic. In some cases, the specialist has already arranged an assessment in a suitable treatment center. No matter what is the outcome, the group must follow through their final decisions.

    Call us to learn how we do interventions.

    How to Stage an Alcoholism Intervention

    It can be hard to approach someone who deals with alcohol problems. Despite the fact that family and friends mean well, they may not know what to say or how to express themselves. In order to get through to a loved one, you need to make them see the problem. So, for a successful intervention, you need to plan every step ahead.

    Here are some useful suggestions to take into consideration when planning an alcohol intervention for your loved one. Remember that staging an intervention is the most important step. Careful planning and risk management can lead to success.

    • Find a licensed interventionist. An intervention professional will know what to do in difficult situations. S/He will keep a“neutral zone” between the parties. A licensed professional can help the alcoholic break the wall of denial, and help them the best rehab option for them.

    • Form a good, stable intervention group. Choose members wisely. Many people may want to help, but not everyone is helpful. Avoid inviting group members who are negative or overly dramatic. Not everyone has the ability to persuade someone that they have a drinking problem. Once you form the dream team, the group works with the interventionist to create a strategy.

    • Education. One critical part of an intervention is to educate the group about addiction and recovery. Being familiar with the topic provides insights of the problem that can play a huge role in convincing someone that they need help.

    • Mind your language. Talk from the heart. Keep in mind that their trust in you is important, and it needs be felt through the whole intervention. By talking personally without judgment will make the intervention process flow easily. Moreover, be open with your feelings, and see how they resonate with you.

    • Rehearse and prepare. The members of the group must rehearse for the intervention. Every speech should be prepared and rehearsed many times with the help of the specialist. Setting the right tone and describing situations of past hurt may trigger moment of clarity to the addicted person and see their problems.

    • Be prepared for the worst. Keep in mind that some interventions don’t go as planned. You cannot predict how your loved one will act. A professional interventionist is there to keep the peace between the parties, and make the most positive outcome of the intervention. However, the person who is dealing with drinking problems may react aggressively and endanger the group. In that case, call 911 immediately.

    A successful intervention can change an entire family.

    Planning for Objections

    When you plan an intervention you need also to plan for objections. Identify in advance the objections to treatment that your loved one may raise. These objections will be answered during the intervention by the person who will lead the intervention. Every objection need to have a reasonable and workable response. The group needs to have prepared answers and plans in advance.Here are some examples of objections and their counters:

    OBJECTION:I can’t go to rehab. Who’s going to take care of my pet?
    RESPONSE:[NAME] has agreed to take your pet and look after them while you are away.

    OBJECTION:I can’t enroll into a program. Who’s going to take care of my home?
    RESPONSE:Your best friend has a key from your apartment, and s/he will come every 3-4 days to care for the home while you are away.

    OBJECTION: I can’t go into treatment. I have a job. I don’t want to lose my job.
    RESPONSE:You won’t lose your job. We have a law that protects you. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects you to maintain your working status when you seek medical help. [3] The law is clear that you have legal right to ask for accommodations when entering rehab.

    OBJECTION:I will be bored there. Rehab is not an option for me.
    RESPONSE:Rehab treatment has many program to offer you in order not to be bored, but to focus on building yourself and work on your recovery. Some of them offer [SERVCICES].

    Are you ready for an intervention? Call us today.

    Planning for Consequences

    A professional interventionist will help you determine which person has the most influence on the loved one who has leverage. When you have leverage, you have the power to precipitate actual consequences. Here are some examples of leverage that can be used in the right way and that will have consequences on the alcoholic’s life.

    1. The employer: “We respect you and value as an employee, but your drinking has caused you to miss 10 days of work in the last few months. We will do everything to help you, including helping you to access treatment because we have Employee Assistance Program. But, we cannot keep you as an employee if you miss work so often.”

    2. A spouse: “I love you, and I care about you, but I cannot raise our children in an alcoholic household. Our children are afraid from you when you come home late and drunk. If you don’t go into treatment, I’m going to have put the well-being of our children first, and start looking at other options, including divorce.”

    3. A parent: “The car you are driving is on my name. I don’t want to put your life in danger as well as of the lives of others because you are drunk driving. If you don’t go to rehab, I am taking the car today.”

    Environment matters.

    Alcohol Intervention at Home

    The place where the intervention will occur is important. Privacy and safety are first. The loved one needs to feel safe, because if they are concerned or uncomfortable, the intervention may turn negative. The loved one may become agitated, and lose their temper. For example, never ambush a person in a public spot to intervene about drinking issues.

    For many people, the safest place an interventioncan occur is at home. A cozy atmosphere increases security and safeness for every member of the intervention. However, some cases require a more neutral place like a rented space or a clinician’s office. This is true when triggers are in the home or when guns are present. Call us to learn more about safety precautions and how we manage environment for successful outcome.

    Why wait longer? Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

    Unique Attributes of an Alcoholic Intervention

    1 in 3 families is affected by addiction problems in the U.S. Alcohol is #1 on the list. 56% of Americans aged 18 and older are currently alcohol consumers, while 1 in 18 people have a drinking problem. [4]

    Still, it may be hard to reach someone and convince them that they have a drinking problem. Alcohol abuse changes the way a person thinks and sees life. Alcohol affect the way we process information…and if a person has become alcohol-dependent, their logic changes, too.

    Some people may get angry because an intervention may seem to be an ambush. However, if the intervention is planned appropriately and done correctly, the anger will calm down quickly. Even if the anger continues, a professional interventionist will keep the tone calm and neutral.

    Keep in mind that the intervention is not about you. The intervention is about your loved one, and the main point is getting them help and supporting them through this hard time.

    Get your loved one into treatment!

    The Best Intervention for Alcoholism

    There are many different types of interventions, but the best intervention for dealing with individual with is a customized intervention that will fit that individual’s needs. Below is a list of the most common types of clinical interventions used for drinking problems.

    ARISE

    An ARISE intervention is a relatively new system of intervention that involves the whole family but it’s less confrontational than a surprise model for intervention. The loved one is invited to the intervention and a set of clear steps then follow.

    Brief Intervention

    This intervention process is conducted as a one-on-one meeting between a medical professional/counselor and a person dealing with alcohol abuse. Usually, brief interventions take place in hospitals after the person has been admitted for an injure or overdose due to their substance use, or in schools if a student is suspected of drinking, or in a doctor’s office after an examination reveals health issues. Moreover, friends and family may ask professional to perform a brief intervention for their loved one.

    Crisis Intervention

    This type of intervention involves police officers providing social and medical resources to people who are abusing substances, suffer from a mental health disorder, or have dual diagnosis. A crisis intervention can lead to a public record with your state’s department of children and families, health, or social services.

    Family Systemic Intervention

    This model is focused on both the individual with AUD and their family. Having on mind that addiction affects every member of the family, this type of intervention intents the whole family to reach out for help in any form of therapy.

    SMART

    The main goal of this type of intervention is to set clear, measurable, and achievable goals for the intervention. This intervention can be applied as a part of follow-up in a family based intervention.

    The Johnson Model

    The most well-known form of intervention, the Johnson Model is designed to convince people dealing with alcoholism to enroll into a rehab program. The problem with this model is that it is a “surprise”.

    What’s your backup plan?

    When Alcohol Intervention Fails

    Be prepared that interventionscan fail.You cannot help someone who doesn’t want help. You cannot make them change.

    In this hard case scenario, it is important to stick with your planned intervention. Then, be patient. Some interventions take time and do-overs. How long will it take? Until the alcoholic realizes the negative consequences of their drinking and seek treatment. In the meantime, you need to take care of yourself.

    Call us for guidance on interventions. We know addiction.

    Get Help from a Professional Interventionist

    If you want your intervention to succeed, plan it with professional help from a licensed
    interventionist. Call us to learn about how we’ve helped hundreds of families over many decades of experience.

    Moreover, every interventionist no matter the model they are using, they will guide the intervention with the 7 important principles that any intervention for alcohol use disorder should follow:

    1. Meet with a certified interventionist.
    2. Plan in advance.
    3. Choose the right people to take part.
    4. Choose the right time for the intervention.
    5. Speak with respect and love, but never with anger.
    6. Follow through.
    7. Take care of yourself.

    Finally, there are several ways you can find certified interventionists:

    • Call us on the helpline displayed on our website.
    • Contact a community, religious, or spiritual leader for recommendations.
    • Get a referral from a doctor or therapist.
    • Speak with a social worker.
    • Search online on:

    Independent Interventionists
    Association of Intervention Specialists

    Don’t lose hope!

    Alcoholism is a treatable disease, and you can help your loved one change their mind about treatment. You only need help from the professionals.

    If you have any questions, post them in the comments section at the end. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate queries.

    Call today. Treatment saves lives.

    Reference Sources:
    [1] Health.mo.gov: Intervention
    [2] The Definitive Guide To Addiction Interventions
    [3] U.S. Department of Labor: Americans with Disabilities Act
    [4] SAMHSA: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2015
    NCBI: Interventions with alcoholics and their families

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • A Checklist for Hiring an Addiction Interventionist

    A Checklist for Hiring an Addiction Interventionist

    ARTICLE SUMMARY:This article offers guidelines on how to select a professional interventionist when you are ready to confront a family member about a drug or alcohol problem.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: Less than 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Readiness for Help

    So, you’re ready to find an interventionist.

    Most likely, you’re at your wit’s end. You may not be sleeping at night from worry. You might feel like the world is spiraling out of control. And you may be angry, frustrated, and downright sick of the person in your family who’s using drugs or alcohol.

    Guess what?

    These are all normal feelings!

    Selecting and working with an interventionist might be the best thing that you can do for your family. The right person will have just the right combination of techniques and words to move your entire family into a new era. The right person will also have experience and a track record to show for it. Plus, the right person will not only get your loved one into rehab, s/he will guide your family on what to do next.

    So, the decision about WHO is best for your family should not be taken lightly. Your choice will be informed by your specific needs, situation, and case. And you need to do your research. We hope that this informative article will help!

    Credentials

    Currently, addiction interventionists are not required to attend university, pass certification exams, or be approved as “clinicians” before they begin to practice. In fact, it’s a bit like the Wild, Wild West.

    Still, a skilled interventionist should be highly trained in addiction interventions. The right person can help you and your family get unstuck. However, it can be tricky to make a decision on credentials alone. Some interventionists are licensed clinicians, some are trained by colleagues, while others have experience under their belt.

    Q: So, what should you be looking for, in terms of credentials?

    A: Basically, you need to know that the person KNOWS what they’re doing…and has the experience to back it up.

    Clinical skills are helpful and desired when looking for an interventionist. However, credentials are not a prerequisite. Experience matters. Plus, it can also help to work with other professionals who complement interventions. Trained attorneys, psychiatrists, psychologists and others who themselves are in recovery are excellent allies.

    THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS: Regardless of the interventionist’s academic background, you need to figure out:

    1.  What they know.
    2.  Who they’ve been trained by.
    3.  What mentoring they’ve had.
    4.  What skills they bring to the table.

    How Much Do Interventionists Charge?

    Interventionists charge from $2,500 to $10,000 or more for their services. The price will depend on the level of service offered and the person’s experience with interventions. For example, some interventionists offer coaching to families for 3-6 months after the intervention is over. Others will end their work with your family when your loved one enters treatment, or after a family weekend.

    When interventionists partner with or work for treatment centers, the intervention may be lower priced than for someone who works independently. This is because the intervention may be just another service of the entire rehab process. Note also fees are not necessarily less if you pick an interventionist in your state versus across the country.

    When considering costs, keep in mind the ultimate value of the result. The upfront costs might seem high, but in exchange, you’re increasing the chances your loved one will attend rehab and get their life back on track. How much is that worth to you?

    As a comparison, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2017, the average annual salary of counselors working in the field of addiction was $43,300. Interventionists on the higher end of the earnings scale, or 90th percentile, earned $60,000 and those on the lower end of the earnings scale, or 10th percentile, earned $25,140.

    How to Find an Interventionist

    There are a few ways you can identify the best person for your family.

    1. Search member directories of the professional associations.

    It is important to find someone with experience, the appropriate licenses/certifications for your needs, and a strong code of ethics. Two professional guilds list members’ credentials, licenses, and certifications. So, where finances are concerned, be sure that you clarify fees and services up front.

    To look for an interventionist, search the member listings for the NII and AIS:

    2. Seek a reference from a mental health professional.

    Second, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence recommends that you seek help from the following professionals for intervention services:

    •  An alcohol and addictions counselor
    •  An addiction treatment center
    •  Psychiatrist
    •  Psychologist
    •  Social Worker

    Some of these professionals may have experience in interventions themselves. Other times, a mental health professional can refer you to a colleague or someone with a good reputation in the field. The organization also suggests that you reach out to NCADD Affiliates to be connected to referrals.

    3. Call us for help.

    The telephone number listed on this page will connect you to a helpline. All calls will be answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC). Caring admissions consultants are standing by to discuss your treatment options, which can include family intervention specialists. The helpline is offered at no cost and with no obligation to enter treatment.

    Whatever route you choose, we recommend picking up the phone and interviewing at least three people that you want to work with. Use the checklist at the end of this article to guide your conversation. Finally, confirm references that the person offers and have conversations about the person’s methods.

    Do Interventionists Work?

    Yes, professional interventionists work.

    According to the Association of Intervention Specialists, research suggests that up to 90% of professionally guided interventions succeed at getting the person into treatment. Whether your loved one will find and maintain a drug-free life is more of a long-term investment. In fact, someone facing addiction needs to put in a great deal of effort to change their thoughts and behaviors.

    But if you’re doing an intervention correctly – and using the Collective Intervention Strategy outlined in the book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions – the family system will change. So, regardless of whether your loved one goes to treatment or not, the system will never be the same.

    Therefore, every addiction intervention has the possibility to be successful.

    A Printable Checklist

    It’s important for families who hire an interventionist to first check out an interventionist’s credentials and amount of time they have spent in the field. You’ll also want to know more about their services, costs, and personal experience with addiction. Here are is a checklist of questions that you can use to help you vet professionals. Feel free to write answers to the questions…or use the space for your own notes.

    □ Credentials
    □ Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC or LCPC
    □ Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
    □ Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
    □ Masters or Doctorate of Psychology, Masters in Psychology, Psy.D.,
    □ Marriage and Family Therapist, MFT

     

    Member of professional association (circle any of the following)

    • AIS: Association of Intervention Specialists

    • NII: Network of Independent Interventionists

    • American Hospital Association

    • NATAP: National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers

    • NAADAC: National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

    • NASW: The National Association of Social Workers

    • CARF: Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

    • CADAC: California Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors

    □ Is the interventionist independent or employed by a particular treatment center or centers?

     

    □ What is the person’s academic background, training, and/or experience background?

     

    □ Is the interventionist in recovery him/herself, or not?

     

    □ Does s/he work alone or have a team?

     

    □ What exact services does s/he provide? What is the cost?

     

    □ What services do they not provide?

     

    □ What are their professional affiliations?

     

    □ What do they specialize in (not all people can do everything)?

     

    □ What does their engagement offer? Length of service and actual services.

     

    □ What is the length of time for their engagement? Does the person work with you and your family AFTER initial treatment placement?

     

    □ How accessible is the person or their team to you? Can you reach the person 24-7? What’s the turn around time on phone calls, emails, etc?

     

    □ Does the interventionist have references you can call for verification?

     

    Your Questions

    We hope to have set you on the right path for getting help.

    But we understand you still may have questions.

    Please ask any question in the comments section below. We do our best to respond to each real-life situation with a personal and prompt reply. And if we can’t help…we’ll refer you to someone who can!

    We wish you all the best.

    —–

    Reference Sources: The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions, A Collective Strategy
    Available via Routledge Press or on Amazon.

    View the original article at

  • Can I Plan an Intervention on My Own or Do I Need Help?

    Can I Plan an Intervention on My Own or Do I Need Help?

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: This article reviews why most families need expert help during an intervention…and what planning is required. Your questions are welcomed at the end.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Most Families Need an Expert

    Most families need outside help to get a loved one into rehab. I didn’t know this until I started working with expert, Dr. Louise Stanger on the book we wrote together, “The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions.” I learned that interventions are highly stylized conversations that require clinical skill.

    Why do most families need an expert?

    Simply, because it’s difficult.

    Trying to convince someone to get help for a drinking or drug problem requires experience and an understanding of common objections. Interventions can be potentially explosive, even if the person knows what’s coming. And you don’t know what’s going to happen. This is where experience can really help.

    Plus, loved ones who are using psychoactive substances are often in denial that s/he needs help. Denial is like a wall…with the right words, it can come tumbling down. But are you ready to talk with your loved one calmly, objectively, and rationally about addiction issues? If you’re honest with yourself…probably not.

    Additionally, we know that one form of addiction bleeds into another: co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, juxtapose with medical problems such as chronic pain, legal or school issues. The complexity of what’s really going on is a mystery to most families.

    Finally, consider this: Most people do not want to change.

    Creating movement and shifts within a family dynamic require thoughtful expertise. And while you might need to dish out anywhere from a few thousand dollars to many thousands…training, specialization, and experience are worth the money! In fact, moving someone to the point where they’re willing to change takes more than just the simple formula you’ll see on other blogs online: Write a letter – Speak the facts – Your loved one goes to rehab. It just doesn’t happen like that.

    Working with an interventionist can often get your loved one into treatment quicker and more efficiently than if you try to intervene on your own.

    Do You Need Help, or Not?

    So, are you at a point where you need a professional? Take a look at the following questions. You and your family might want to hire a professional addiction interventionist if:
    • You support (consciously or unconsciously) a loved one who is using mind-altering substances. This includes financial support or emotional support.
    • You have difficulty setting healthy boundaries or even knowing what boundaries are.
    • You experience somatic symptoms, lack of sleep, rage, endless tears, repeated illness, stomach aches, migraines, etc.
    • You have been unsuccessful in addressing a loved one’s substance abuse, mental health disorder, chronic pain, co-occurring disorder, legal trouble, or school and professional failures.
    • You have been unsuccessful convincing your loved one that s/he needs help.
    • You have a history of complex trauma, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders in your family of origin.
    • You cannot function daily due to your fear of doing/not doing something different to change your loved one.
    • You think constantly about your loved one. Or, you have gotten to a point of disconnecting from the world around you; looking at the situation is too painful.

    What Does an Interventionist Do?

    An interventionist works with you, your family group, and the identified loved one (the person drinking or using drugs) to help that person accept medical treatment for addiction. In order to get to “Yes”, an interventionist should be able facilitate and guide the following:
    •   Team Formation
    •   Family Mapping
    •   Retrospective Bio-Psycho-Social Analysis
    •   Case Strategy
    •   Treatment planning and placement
    •   Aftercare recommendations
    •   Family engagement in the healing process

    Further, communication skills are essential to interventions. Interviewing skills and solution focused skills are critical. Throughout the process, the interventionist manages all team and third party communication. S/He serves as a liaison. For example, individual phone interviews with prospective team members may be required. Or, an interventionist may need to provide safe escort or transport to the selected treatment center.

    Case management is also required for the evidence-based interventionist. Treatment center matching and referrals are necessary. Likewise, follow-up and regular case management with treatment centers while clients attend rehabilitation programs is critical. Finally, consultation and coordination of aftercare as well as Solution-Focused Family Recovery Coaching for all team members ensures lasting change.

    Not all interventionists have these skills. You can download our Checklist for Hiring an Interventionist to learn what criteria are best as you choose the right person for your family.

    Logistics

    There are a few things that an interventionist should coordinate both before and during the intervention. This includes:
    • Set date and times for meetings.
    • Select a neutral, safe venue(s) for the Pre-intervention and Intervention Meeting.
    • Book the venue in advance.
    • Identify who will be present.
    • If someone is not present, decide how you will include them (by Skype, phone, or letter).
    • Communicate the time, date, and location to all accountability team members.
    • Arrange for food to be present at the venue.
    • Review entrances and exits to venue.
    • Identify pets, if any, and care for them during the Intervention.
    • Make sure there are enough seats available (round tables if using are better than rectangles).
    • At homes, pull chairs and couches around to create a safe setting.
    • Identify other places where one may go and speak with the identified loved one in a less formal setting.
    • Arrange for photographs to be present. What photographs might be helpful? For example, if the ILO had a close relationship with a grandparent that has died, one might put a photograph in an empty chair or have to share to help move someone to change.
    • Work with a lawyer, medical professional, counselor, medical nurse, or treatment center representatives when necessary.

    Security

    • Make sure you have access to a phone always, even in remote locations.
    • Hire same gender transport professional(s), when needed.
    • Hire a medical nurse to accompany the identified loved one to the treatment center in cases of extreme drug dependence to prevent withdrawal.
    • Complete a full security check upon arrival at the venue.
    • Lock down (under lock and key) any firearms, weapons, or knives, etc.
    • Gather home keys, car keys, IDs, and phone from the identified loved one upon arrival.
    • Gather keys of interior and exterior areas of the home from the family.
    • Call in the help of executive protection professionals, when needed.

    Travel

    • Make sure that tickets are open and flexible.
    • Book tickets to the treatment facility on a “loose” return itinerary to allow for missed flights.
    • Make sure that if using safe transport services that escorts are gender specific or if you use two people for transport one has to be same gender.

    Review

    • Review entire plan with team mate and other outside professionals.
    • Review plan with the accountability team.
    • Review who you want to give invitation to attend meeting.

    Q: What happens when you go one-on-one with someone in active addiction?

    A: You lose!

    Adding an interventionist to your team can help ensure success and get your loved one into treatment quicker and more efficiently than if you were to try to intervene on your own.

    To learn more about addiction intervention, please give us a call. Or, leave us a question in the comments section below. The telephone number listed on this page will connect you to a helpline answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC). The helpline is offered at no cost and with no obligation to enter treatment. Caring admissions consultants are standing by to discuss your treatment options, which can include family intervention specialists.

    If you’re ready for help, pick up the phone.

    You don’t need to hold an intervention on your own.

    Reference Sources: The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions, A Collective Strategy
    Available via Routledge Press or on Amazon.

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  • How to Find an Interventionist Near You

    How to Find an Interventionist Near You

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: A guide to finding a professional interventionist in your city or state. We also review how you can broaden your search to include out-of-state experts.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: Less than 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Not Everyone is a Good Interventionist

    So, you’re ready to hire a professional interventionist?

    This person can and should help you get a loved one into alcohol or drug rehab.

    First, we’d like to acknowledge the difficulty in making this decision. The upfront costs might seem high. However, the Association of Intervention Specialists states that the numbers suggest up to 90% of professionally guided interventions succeed at getting the person into treatment. So, not only are you increasing the chances your loved one will attend rehab…you can also have hope that they’ll get their life back on track. How much is that worth to you?
    In fact, an intervention might be the most important thing you do for your family! However, please be advised:

    Not everyone is a good interventionist.

    No matter who they are – whether Ph.D., MD, social worker, a marriage and family therapist, or have only a ‘hard knocks’ degree – training is necessary. Taking a weekend course or joining a supervision group does not make a person effective as an interventionist. Further still, even if the person is in addiction recovery…that does not mean that s/he is a clinician or knows about addiction treatment, nor does it mean that they know how to conduct an intervention.

    Interventions require training, ongoing supervision, and experience!

    Experience is Necessary

    Q: So, what should you be looking for when you spend $3,000+ on a professional intervention?
    A: A professional interventionist must know what they’re doing and have the experience to back it up.

    In fact, credentials are not a prerequisite. Experience matters. Regardless of the interventionist’s academic background, you need to figure out:

    •  What they know.
    •  What skills they have.
    •  Who’s trained them.
    •  What mentoring they’ve had.

    You can be sure to vet the person correctly by downloading and printing this Checklist for Hiring an Addiction Interventionist.

    For even more advice, you can check out The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions, a book that synthesizes the 30+ years of clinical work of Dr. Louise Stanger that has been edited by Addiction Blog Editor, Lee Weber.

    How to Find an Interventionist

    An intervention can change everything. It can give you hope. It can restore a sense of harmony to your family. And, the person struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction can finally get the medical attention that they need. How can you find the right person?

    There are a few ways you can identify the best person for your family.

    1. Search professional associations.

    It is important to find someone with experience, the appropriate licenses/certifications for your needs, and a strong code of ethics. Two professional organizations exist that collect this information: The Network of Independent Interventionists (NII) and the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS). These organizations list members’ credentials, licenses, and certifications. You can search member listings here:

    •  The NII website, the Network of Independent Interventionists.
    •  The AIS website, the Association of Intervention Specialists.

    2. Seek a reference from a mental health professional.

    The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) exists as the nation’s premier advocacy group for addiction treatment. This NGO recommends that you seek help from the following professionals for intervention services:

    •  An alcohol and addictions counselor
    •  An addiction treatment center
    •  Psychiatrist
    •  Psychologist
    •  Social Worker

    Some of these professionals may have experience in interventions themselves. Other times, a mental health professional can refer you to a colleague or someone with a good reputation in the field. The organization also suggests that you reach out to NCADD Affiliates to be connected to referrals.

    3. Call us for help.

    The telephone number listed on this page will connect you to a helpline answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC). The helpline is offered at no cost and with no obligation to enter treatment. Caring admissions consultants are standing by to discuss your treatment options, which can include family intervention specialists. So, if you are ready to get help for you or a family member, reach out and pick up the phone.

    My Area or Out of State?

    So, should you be looking locally….or should you consider someone who’s out of state?

    Contrary to popular belief, a good interventionist is NOT LIMITED TO REGION. The right person is ready and able to travel…and has experience working with families of all types. In fact, their fees may not be incredibly different from someone who is local. Further, an out-of-state interventionist may have a broader outlook than someone who is near you. Here are some of the PROs and CONs of each.

    A local interventionist may:

    •  Be able to travel quickly to you or meet frequently.
    •  Be connected to local behavioral and mental health care providers.
    •  Be connected to local city/state agencies, including social services.
    •  Be limited in their referrals for treatment.
    •  Refer to local rehabs or treatment centers.

    An out-of-state interventionist may:

    •  Be available 24-7 on the phone or via email.
    •  Be connected to national behavioral and mental health care providers.
    •  Bill for travel expenses.
    •  Bring a fresh perspective to the situation.
    •  Have a broader network of referral sources.

    Local Search Tips

    If you’re looking for an alcohol or drug addiction interventionist near you, it can help to search for the right person via referral. Start with your family doctor and work your way out to other connections. For example, you can seek referrals from:

    While you may be concerned about anonymity, also know that Americans are increasingly destigmatizing addiction, especially through advocacy groups like Facing Addiction. In fact, an estimated one in three American families experiences addiction through one close family member. So, your friends and family can also be a source of help.

    National Search Tips

    If you’re interested in hiring someone who may have a wider view of the addiction treatment landscape, it can help to search nationwide databases for references to resources. Non-government organizations are especially helpful. Again, you’ll want to refern to the NII website, the Network of Independent Interventionists, and the AIS website, the Association of Intervention Specialists.

    Otherwise, we recommend that you look for an interventionist using the following websites:

     Clinical Qualities to Look For

    Again, not all interventionists offer the same level of expertise. For this reason, we suggest a quality check before hiring someone. You’ll want the person to demonstrate the following qualities outlined in part of Chapter 10 of The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions:

    1. Boundaries.

    A good interventionist will establish clinical boundaries between themselves and clients. These boundaries address the length of a counseling relationship, self-disclosure by a counselor, giving of gifts, and the limits of touch or personal communication between counselor and client. A boundary will also define or limit personal benefit of money or services that the interventionist receives. The emotional or dependency needs of a counselor should also be in check.

    NOTE HERE: Hiring an interventionist is like working with a contractor. So, it is helpful to vet the person you want to work with via a Google search or by talking with colleagues about her/his reputation. Also, ask for a very clear contract and terms of service at the beginning of your contractual relationship.

    2. Competence.

    A good interventionist will be able to reference achievements of professional competence. S/He should also exhibit cultural competence when working with specific groups…but not overstep abilities.

    NOTE HERE: You can ask for all professional qualifications before you sign a contract with an interventionist. You might ask for a resume, a CV, or for 2-3 professional references.

    3. Confidentiality.

    Keeping private information private is the hallmark of a therapeutic relationship. HIPPA Forms attempt to clarify the confidential nature of the work of addiction interventionist. However, strict confidentiality should be from the first phone call. The principle of confidentiality should govern record keeping, accounting, informal and formal conversations, treatment decisions, and the person’s progress notes. The right person will also be familiar with state laws about confidentiality and have necessary consent forms, signed, and on file. Mandated reporting, the “Duty to Warn” laws, and exceptions to confidentiality law (drug court, federally assisted treatment programs, confidentiality and minors, age of consent) vary by state.

    NOTE HERE: Ask potential interventionists to provide you with a statement describing the extent to which confidentiality of records will be maintained, including an explanation on limits of confidentiality, plus who to contact in emergency in my official documentation.

    4. Avoid brokers or unethical referral services.

    Treatment centers have been known to pay bounties to for referrals. This leads to a practice called “patient brokering.” In return for referring a patient to a drug treatment facility, the broker receives a generous compensation of $500 to $5000. Brokers will offer to share this money with patients or entice them with drugs to leave an existing facility and qualify for another because they have relapsed, leading to a revolving door syndrome.

    Additionally, federal laws such as the Anti-Kick Back Statute make is a criminal offense for anyone to give a kickback with the intent of influencing referral of patients. Some examples include trips, hotels, or gifts. Further, the Stark Law tries to prevent physician’s self-referral, or when a physician refers a patient to a facility s/he owns or family has financial interest.

    NOTE HERE: Ask an interventionist directly about monetary relationships s/he has with treatment centers. If the person works for the treatment center, this is not necessarily a bad thing. However,know whether you’ll be contracting with the center or the individual directly.

    5. Informed consent.

    You need to officially grant an interventionist permission to carry out an intervention, in full knowledge of the possible consequences, risks, and benefits. An informed content should include a description of any reasonable foreseeable risks or discomforts (consequences of early withdrawal), a description of any benefits to the subject or others, as well as disclosure of any alternative treatments, including medications.

    NOTE HERE: Ask to sign consent forms at the beginning of your relationship with an interventionist to manage your expectations and set the guidelines for the clinical help you’ll receive.

    Your Questions

     We hope to have given you a good, solid place to start looking for help.

    We also understand that you may still have questions. Please leave your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond to all questions with a personal and prompt reply.

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