Interventions must have detailed preparation and training.
Professionals know what works. They are familiar with the latest techniques - giving anxious or frightened families a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the intervention. This perspective can be invaluable when powerful emotions surface. Interventionists also help families communicate more effectively than they have in the past, which is a crucial part of a successful intervention. Advance preparation is critical. This includes interviews with family members by the interventionist to determine the level of severity that exists and the motivation of each participant. Also, preparation involves choosing a time of day when the addict will be most receptive; developing written lists of specific events that have affected each family member; and role playing to practice staying focused when confronting the alcoholic or addict directly. Treatment arrangements will be made and finalized prior to completing the Intervention. Interventions must stay focused and on track. The more the team is prepared to predict all possible exits and close them, the better the outcome. The Interventionists will keep the Intervention on track. Please follow their lead—remember any redirection or interruption is not a personal attack. If the person agrees to accept help, the Intervention ends and the person is quickly escorted to treatment.

The Team is prepared to include firm, fair, and non-negotiable bottom-line boundaries.
Manipulation is a very powerful defense used by addicts and alcoholics. They can try to confuse the current issue, deny problems, bring up past issue or confrontations, switch focus to others problems, or become angry and verbally abusive, when they feel their addiction is threatened. This means that family members and friends must remain focused about the goal of the Intervention --To get the Addict/Alcoholic help. Further, the team will remain unified in sending the message that real consequences will occur if the abuse of drugs or alcohol continues. Sometimes this means separation from spouse and children, or loss of a job, etc. The consequences will be clearly defined and more than idle threats. Please refrain from accepting, "just give me one more chance." The goal is to get the Addict/Alcoholic in to treatment.

The Intervention must be a surprise.
It is extremely important that the Addict/Alcoholic does not know that an intervention is being planned. It is normal for family and friends to feel uncomfortable with “sneaking around behind someone’s back.” Preparing for an intervention is a very powerful act of compassion. It is usually done to save someone’s life. Our experience shows that although the person may complain of deception at the time of the Intervention, they experience gratitude upon completion of treatment and remission of their addiction.

Team members must be trusted and respected by the Addict/Alcoholic.
The team should be made up of people who the addict trusts and respects. This facilitates the person accepting the direction and help being offered. Team members are involved in this Intervention process because they love and care about this person. This must be the primary message conveyed.

The Team must be prepared for emotional abuse or retaliation.
During and immediately following an Intervention, team members can expect a myriad of emotions from the person. Excuses, begging, accusations, name calling, and so on. It is our experience that it is common for the person to call, once being admitted into treatment, asking to be picked up prior to completion of treatment. Statements such as: “this is not the right place for me” or “they are not treating me right” may be used to redirect focus. It is imperative to maintain the goal and hold true to the original commitment.

We at ACADIA NW understand that this is a very difficult process and are honored to assist your family. We acknowledge your courage and willingness to coordinate this effort.

Contact Roger Kirby, Nationally Trained Interventionist