Basically, there are two therapeutic models of
addiction interventions. One is known as the Modified Johnson
Model where the participants meet with the
interventionist to prepare for the intervention without the knowledge of the
addicted person until the actual intervention. The other is known as the Family Intervention
where the addicted person is invited to participate in the process of education
and preparation.
Both have advantages and
disadvantages. The former has an element of surprise attack and the patient may
feel more angry, resentful and ambushed.
The latter is more inclusive
and respectful, but may allow for the person being intervened upon to escape or
in some way sabotage the process. A professional, trained interventionist needs
to make this determination.
A word of caution. Today, with alcohol and other drug
addiction interventions being broadcast on television, participants often
believe they do not need a trained person and they can do it for themselves.
The danger in this is there may be one and only one opportunity to approach the
sick person and get them to proper help. Untrained and unskilled participants
do not want to blow this chance. Trained, credentialed professionals are
capable of assessing the health and well being of the potential patient,
dealing with their denial and resistance plus determining the treatment
facility that will have the best outcome for each person.
Intervention that have the most
effective outcomes and result in the addicted person being willing to accept
help are carefully thought out, planned and orchestrated by a trained clinician
and interventionist. If a loved one has a broken bone, family members would
take that person to a specialist in broken bones. If family members have a
loved one with an addiction, they best seek guidance from a person educated,
trained and skilled in treating addictions.
Family members and other
significant people in an addicted person's life get sucked into the addictive
process. The addiction affects everyone in an addicted system. With the best of
intentions and out of love, concern and not knowing what to do they end up
prolonging but never preventing the addiction. How do family member do this?
Primarily by enabling and rescuing.
What is
enabling? Enabling is
consistently doing for another person what they could and should be doing for
themselves. Rescuing is not allowing the addicted person to experience the
consequences of their addiction and actions. Without guidance and direction it
is easy to keep repeating this pattern.
Much has been said about
allowing a person to "hit bottom." An addicted person is on an
elevator going down to the basement. Sadly, riding on this elevator with them
is the people who they love and who love them the most. We know that through
education, treatment and help, everyone can get off on whatever floor they find
themselves. Often, the family member needs to get off first. This can result in
the addicted loved one following them into recovery.