An intervention is a method of getting a drug or alcohol addict the proper treatment they need to overcome their addiction. Interventions are meetings where family and friends of an addict come together to tell the addict about their addiction and how it is affecting them. The purpose of the intervention is to get the addict to admit to their addictions and accept treatment. It is equally important that the intervention makes it known to the addict that their addictive behaviors and drug or alcohol abuse will no longer be tolerated by the family. The family will set boundaries and consequences for the addict. The family will also let the addict know that they will be as supportive as necessary if they are to accept treatment and enter a rehab center. There are several different types of techniques that families can use for an intervention, here are a few examples.
Johnson Model
The Johnson model of intervention is the most commonly known intervention. Family and friends get together to call an intervention. They are expected to meet at least once before conducting the real intervention. Here the family and friends of the addict can discuss what they want to say, who is going to speak when, how long each individual gets, and what they all expect out of the intervention. This style of intervention is meant to be confrontational. Friends and family confront the addict about their addictive behavior, alcohol or drug abuse, and how it affects them. The addict will be made away that their family and friends are there to support them, but only if they choose to receive proper treatment. Addicts are also made aware that they are going to abide by new rules, boundaries, and consequences for their continued abuse of drugs or alcohol. 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.
Invitational Model
The invitational 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. The addict has the choice to agree or not to agree to attend the workshop. This style allows for the addict to choose to listen and get help, opposed to confronting them. In this style to negative results of confrontation are evaded. It should also be noted that in this style if the addict does not want to come to the workshop or refuses, then they can be forced. Regardless of their willingness they are aware of the purpose of the meeting.
Field Model
The field model of 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.
Systemic Intervention
In certain situations, the confrontational method of intervention is not always best. If there is a possibility of hostility, violence, or anything that would cause the harm of the addict or those involved in the intervention, then a systemic intervention would be the best option. During an addiction and recovery, the most important thing to maintain is the safety of all the people around the addict, addict included. Systemic interventions show how to encourage the addict to get help. Only behaviors and interactions that encourage positive abstinence are emphasized. With thorough counseling that emphasizes addict/counselor trust, building systemic interventions can get the addictive behavior to change.
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