Family
Intervention - Is it Safe?
Family intervention is an effective means of interruption the
progression of addiction. But it may also be dangerous to a family’s
well being. In recent years questions have arisen in regards to how and
who should facilitate a family intervention.
Utilizing the consequences of the symptoms of the disease to motivate the person to accept diagnosis and treatment is the most appropriate method of interrupting the disease process. Intervention should be treated as a process rather than a single act. The goal of intervention is recovery for the entire family rather than just treatment for the addict. The purpose of the intervention process is to change the dynamic within the family so intervention can occur. Intervention must protect the addict and the family from adverse consequences: these are typical steps taken to insure that a “safe” intervention occurs.
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Assessment–The needs and resources within the family that will affect the intervention process are identified. It must be determined whether there is reasonable cause to intervene and what methods to use according to the degree of impairment of the addict and the strength of the family to take appropriate action. |
Important truths about interventions
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Preparation–The family needs to explore the potential benefits and risks to assure that the family can survive and can protect itself whatever occurs. Preparation often changes the family dynamic enough that the addict will often seek treatment without more extreme steps.
Behavior Awareness Feedback–In this step family members begin giving the alcoholic honest feedback about inappropriate behavior instead of continuing to pretend that there is no problem or that the problems are not related to drinking. When the “game playing” stops and alcoholism is treated as the serious disease it is, the family begins to respond appropriately; often this facilitates treatment.
Crisis As Opportunity–Often however, an alcoholic refuses to change until a crisis forces the change. There may be times when it is necessary for the family to take legal action or to get medical aid in order to protect the alcoholic or others.
Network Confrontation–This is a time in the intervention process when the family members come together and present their concerns along with a formal request that the addict get help. It is not THE intervention, only part of the intervention. It may be unnecessary if other intervention steps have been utilized effectively.
Family Recovery–The family continues to need professional help to deal with the anxiety created by the intervention. Once the intervention is complete, the real tasks of recovery begin. The goal of intervention is recovery of the family, whether or not the alcoholic gets treatment. If you have questions about a family intervention contact us and ask to be referred to an intervention specialist.
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