How It Works

By Heather Hayes

With the recognition of addiction being a disease, a new trend in treatment began. Slowly, addicts and alcoholics became patients rather than bad people who were damaged. We began to see intervention programs set up to help with early detection and treatment, not unlike the prevention programs we see with cancer and diabetes.

In the chemical dependency field, the "father" of the professional intervention, Vernon E Johnson, D.D., first defined intervention as "helping to stop using mood-altering chemicals and to develop new, healthier ways of coping with his or her needs or problems. "He said alternately:" presenting reality to a person out of touch with it in a receivable way".

Johnson's works came from his belief that alcoholism was a primary, progressive, potentially fatal, yet treatable disease. He believed that there was a way to help the alcoholic get help before they "bottomed out" which often implied devasting consequences for the addicted person, his/her family and society. As a result Johnson developed the theory and practice of intervention.

This involves gathering together a "team" of participants who have significant relationships with the addict or alcoholic. Recently, the orginal Johnson model has been modified. In their popular book, "Love First", Jeff and Deborah Jay discuss their modifications of the Surprise Model. They adhere to many of the orginal principles but do make some significant changes. Rather than 'tough love' they believe that love and care should be first. They suggest a focus on what makes the addicted person loveable. This begins to give the addict the message that they are of value to the participants and are deeply cared for. In addiction, the Jay's recommend discussing the impact the disease of chemical dependancy has had on the individual and their loved ones. This helps to protect the addicts fragile sense of self-esteem and place the burden of blame onto the disease.

Lastly, a second letter is written. In this letter the participants are asked to address their feelings should the addict refuse to take the help offered. This is not a punishment, rather a boundary.

For example, a family member may state that they will no longer cover unpaid bills, if a parent continues to use.

Most persons intervened on do go into treatment. After letters are read and the addicted person agrees to go, they leave to go directly to the prearranged facility.

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Intervention

How It Works

By Heather Hayes