Models of Addiction Interventions

It can be tough to admit to an addiction, much less seek help for one, which is a large part of the reason that many individuals do not.  There are of course also those who refuse to seek help or believe that they do not need it.  Whatever the case may be, these are all situations in which an intervention can be used.  Addiction interventions have become increasingly popular over the years, especially since the TV show, duly called, Intervention.

While there are many who may have a vague concept of why an intervention is done, or what is supposed to be done in one, the reality is that there are several different types of addiction interventions.  There are essentially three different categories of this.

Direct Approach Model

The first being the direct approach, which is when the addict is not really consulted in the situation, but rather everything is arranged beforehand.  Meaning, a rehab center, and any further parts of the treatment plan will be established beforehand.  The idea here is to simply have every part and aspect completely in place before confronting the addict, in hopes that they will agree to receive the help that is in wait for them.  This is the form of intervention that is seen on the Intervention TV show.  This is typically the most common category of intervention. These types can be extremely beneficial for those who may want help but do not take the initiative or do not want to ask for help, and could just be easier to agree to receive treatment.  This is the typical model that many people are aware of where the addict is confronted by their family and often an interventionist in attempts to convince them to receive treatment.

The Indirect Approach Model

The indirect approach is the other category of addiction interventions and typically involves more work with the family or close loved ones of the addict.  It essentially involves educating and preparing the family for their contact and interactions with the addict.  It helps to prepare the family to provide an environment for the person that is much more contributive to them seeking help and healing.

Forcible Addiction Interventions Model

As can essentially be assumed from the name, this is when an individual is given no choice.  The interventionist and family will work to have the person involuntarily committed to a treatment center.  While this can have certain uses, it is typically a less desirable model of addiction interventions.

There are then several types of interventions that come under these various categories, including:

• Confrontational – Another direct approach, this involves a private meeting between the addict, the family, and an interventionist, where their addiction and behavior are discussed and confronted by pointing out the negative consequences and results of it, as well as encouraging them to seek help.
• Crisis – A crisis intervention is a direct type that is primarily for the purpose of helping those who are in immediate danger or distress. This could include a variety of situations such as heavy substance abuse, mental issues, homelessness, etc.  At times, when the crisis is severe, a crisis intervention could also come under the heading of a forcible intervention if the interventionist works to have the person committed without consent.
• Family Model – This could be considered the typical model of intervention, as it is the one that most are familiar with, and the most commonly used. Somewhat similar to the confrontational type of intervention, but it focuses more on expressing feelings and concerns to the addict, rather than emphasizing the negatives of their addiction and behavior.  When the family meets with the addict, the interventionist will be there to help mediate and guide the meeting.  The reality is that family plays an extremely large role in a person’s life and can be a controlling factor in them seeking treatment.  In fact, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia, teenagers that have a weak connection to their family are four times more likely to have experimented with marijuana, and three times more likely for alcohol than those with strong family ties.

Finding Help for a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Addiction can be an extremely difficult condition to struggle with, but fortunately, there is help out there.  There are a variety of rehab facilities and treatment modalities across the country that can help an individual to overcome their addiction.  Unfortunately, this large amount of options can make it difficult to know which one to choose, but we are here to help with that.  Our staff is familiar with the different centers and their offerings across the country.  They can explain the different options, and help to find the ideal fit in a treatment center for you or your loved one.  Take the first step to break free of an addiction, and give us a call today.