Addiction recovery is a long, hard battle for both the person fighting the
disease and his loved ones. In fact, the first step in the journey toward
recovery is often initiated by the addict's loved ones - in the form of an
intervention. If successfully orchestrated, the intervention will lead to the
addict receiving the help he so desperately needs.

Preparing for an Intervention

An intervention should be performed as soon as possible in order to help an
addict recover from his disease. Friends and family should never wait until the
addict reaches rock bottom. By then, it may be too late. The devastating effects
of addiction, such as financial ruin, loss of family and even imprisonment may
have already taken hold of the addict's life. The sooner the intervention
occurs, the more pain and suffering can be avoided.

An intervention is one way family and friends can convince the person they
love to seek the help he so desperately needs. In order to successfully
facilitate an intervention, the family and friends need to first learn how to
communicate in a language the addict can understand. This language includes
being completely honest with the person suffering from an addiction. Speaking
openly and honestly with the person about the effects his addiction is having on
those around him is often the eye-opener the person needs in order to see
clearly enough to accept help.

Structure of the Intervention There is no magic number of
people needed to orchestrate a successful intervention. In addition to an
interventionist, there can be as few as one additional person or as many as six
to eight. What is critical is that each of the participants be someone the
addict either loves or respects. Potential members of the intervention team are
family and friends, as well as teachers, clergy, lawyers, and doctors. Anyone
that might have an impact on the addict's thinking and emotions should be
included in the intervention.

There are several key elements to a successful intervention:

1. Provide a sufficient opportunity for all family members and loved ones to
voice their concern over the addicts behavior in a passionate and loving
manner

2. Provide information/education on the nature of addiction

3. Discuss the enabling behavior that has occurred during the progression of
the disease

4. Direst the addict, and perhaps family members, to treatment.

If an intervention is successfully performed, the addict will seek the help
he needs on the very same day. To accomplish this, however, each member of the
team must be willing to work together toward a common goal and to be properly
educated in the execution of an intervention.

Finding Help for an Intervention

Some families and loved ones choose to execute an intervention without the
guidance of a professional. In most cases, however, it is best to involve the
expertise of a seasoned interventionist or a drug rehab center in the
development of an intervention plan. The professional interventionist or rehab
center can help the team learn how to reach a common goal and how to use
language the addict will understand, while helping to prevent the situation from
escalating out of control.

Often, those who are performing the intervention worry that the addict will
walk out in the middle of the intervention. This rarely occurs. Nonetheless, it
is best to have a contingency plan in case this does occur. Generally, the best
course of action is to have one or two of the members of the intervention team
follow the addict in order to gently persuade him to return to the
intervention.

Finding a Rehab

The ultimate goal of an intervention is to persuade the addict to get the
help he needs with his addiction. Therefore, it is best to already have a rehab
center chosen and ready to admit him. Even if a staff member from the rehab
center does not participate in the actual intervention, the center should be
aware of the team's intentions. The worse case scenario, aside from the addict
refusing help altogether, is to have no place for the addict to go for help upon
successful completion of an intervention.

When selecting a rehab center for the addict, it is important to consider
what type of center is best suited to the addict's needs. The types of programs
offered, the location of the rehab center, and the approach used by the center
can all have an impact on the overall success. The rehab center will need as
much detail as possible regarding the addict including drug, family, medical and
psychological histories. Work closely with the staff before the intervention to
ensure the center is the best choice for all involved.