| The Intervention Program is designed to give “concerned others” the skills, knowledge and support necessary to help the “troubled” individual help themselves. The chemically addicted person attends the intervention session only, and does not attend any of the other Intervention Program classes or services. Ideally, the Intervention Program consists of an assessment interview, followed by three classes, the intervention, and a follow-up session.
Initially, the concerned others meet with an intervention facilitator for about one hour. The purpose of this session is to collect some information about the concerned others and the addicted person in order to make recommendations about the services which would best meet the needs of all involved. If intervention is determined to be the best approach, the program proceeds.
The concerned others attend a group session which includes a lecture on the disease of addiction and the film “The Intervention”. The goal of this session is to teach the concerned others about the disease and to acquaint them with the intervention process. They must know the nature of the disease in order to do an intervention. Many times, Class 1 is combined with the assessment interview.
The concerned others hear a lecture on the “Family Illness” concept and enabling. The goal is to learn how their behaviors have sheltered the chemically addicted person from suffering consequences of his/her disease. The concerned others will also learn how they have been affected by the illness.
The concerned others meet as a group to proceed with the intervention rehearsal. At this time, the facilitator helps to determine who will be involved in the actual intervention, precisely what each person will say and, finally, set a date for the intervention. Many times, classes 2 and 3 can be combined.
The concerned others and intervention facilitator meet as a group to proceed with the intervention on the chemically addicted person. The goal of this session is to confront the chemically addicted person with the facts of his/her illness with the intention of helping him/her make a decision to seek treatment.
The purpose of the follow-up session is to give the concerned others an opportunity to discuss their feelings about the intervention and to reassure them that they acted in the addicted person’s best interest and that they have no reason to feel either guilty or discouraged.
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