Family intervention strategies work to help an addict stop using. Most counselors agree that the support of family and friends through the detoxification process is extremely valuable. An intervention is a meeting or session that encourages an addict to seek treatment. According to the National Center for Biotechnology’s publication, “Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse,” family involvement in drug intervention is particularly important. Although it is not advisable for family members to conduct an intervention, at least one counselor or doctor along with family and friends is very beneficial for individuals who would not otherwise seek treatment. There are several types of family intervention strategies, and a variety of techniques and methods used in these strategies.
Although there are several intervention strategies, only a few of them the American Psychological Association only recognizes a few of them. These strategies are:
This model surprises or tricks the addict into going to the intervention. Essentially, a therapist, family, and friends confront the addict without allowing a warning or preparation.
Each form of family intervention has its merits. Not all types of intervention work for all addicts and it may be necessary to try one or two of these strategies before it is successful. Along with the types of interventions, there are also different techniques and methods for interventions.
One popular method in family intervention is to confront the addict directly. This is to pull the addict out of denial and into treatment. This method only works when the addict is nonviolent and more placid.
Another intervention technique is to use role-playing. The therapist and the family work out role-play scenarios to enact situations that the addict causes, collective family pain, and the possibilities that rehabilitation offers. This technique works for addicts who are willing to participate in this activity. Some addicts are embarrassed or unhappy with what they see as play-acting.
One of the most used intervention methods is a nonconfrontational question and answer method. In this technique, a therapist or doctor asks the family and friends of the addict leading questions. These questions are designed to make the addict understand that he or she needs treatment to help the family and friends. It allows family members to air their concerns without directly confronting the addict with them.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, prevention and intervention work best when a family-based intervention strategy is used. A family can do several things to make an intervention go smoothly. These are:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says, “No one single treatment is appropriate for everyone,” it follows that no single intervention strategy is appropriate for everyone. When choosing between the different family intervention strategies, it is important to consider all types and find the type and method that works for the addict in your family. Not every intervention method works for every addict. Remember whom the intervention is for, if the intervention does not fit the individual it will not work. Family intervention is one of the best ways to get an addict to seek treatment.