Addicts can continue to use and abuse drugs without knowing they are addicted. Interventions are useful tools that loved ones can use to bring an addict back to reality. These tools are very complex and should be handled with extreme care. Interventions can be effective when used properly and when the right one is employed. There are several types of interventions to choose from, selecting the right one should be done carefully. The following is a brief description of five popular types of addiction interventions. Speaking with a professional before an intervention is the best way to ensure a safe and effective intervention.
Crisis Model
Crisis interventions are used in situations of dire straits. This model is reserved for those with severe mental health issues, which compound their substance abuse/addiction. These interventions are conducted during a period of vulnerability for the addict. This limits their ability to make excuses or get out of going in for treatment. Addicts who are having legal, financial, family, and employment problems due to their addiction are in need of crisis interventions.
Johnson Model
The Johnson model of addiction intervention is the most commonly known intervention. Family and friends come together to discuss the addict and their addiction. All those involved must meet at least once and discuss the organization of the intervention. Confronting the addict with the problems they and their addiction have caused aim to catch them off guard. The Johnson model of interventions purpose is to pull the addict out of their self-denial and see the problem with their addiction. In some cases, this confrontation model of intervention can cause the addict to withdraw back to drug or alcohol use from the shame and pressure from the intervention. It is essential that all members of the ‘intervention team’ understand their roles and stays focused.
Love First Model
The love first model of intervention differs from the Johnson model in that the addict is invited to a ‘workshop.’ A friend or family member extends an invitation to the addict giving them all the information about what is going to happen. The addict understands that the gathering is an intervention for their drug abuse. This style allows for the addict to choose to listen and get help, opposed to confronting them. The most important and different part of this model is that the ‘intervention team’ attempts to appeal to the addict’s feelings, to their heart. Family and friends gather to support treatment and provide their love for the addict. There is no negativity, blaming or hostility in this method.
Field Model
The field model of addiction intervention is a combination of the former two interventions. Where this model differs is in its flexibility. The counselor or therapist that is part of the intervention has the ability to adapt to the situation. Based on the circumstances of the intervention the mediator can move things in the best direction. The function of a professional is to keep the intervention productive and safe, the field model has been developed for that purpose.
Systemic Intervention
The confrontational method of drug intervention is not always best. The possibility of hostility, violence, or anything that would cause harm to the addict or those involved warrants another option. During an addiction and recovery, the most important thing to maintain is the safety of all the people around the addict. Systemic interventions show how to encourage the addict to get help. In this model, the entire family and friend circle learn how they can be a beacon of change. The focus of treatment continues after the addict enters treatment and encompasses all those involved in their life.
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