What is an "intervention"?
Intervention is one of the most effective techniques that families can utilize to help a loved one who is struggling with the disease of alcoholism or addiction. It is a powerful step that families can take to initiate the process of recovery and healing.
It usually involves several people who have prepared themselves to talk to a person who has been effected. In a clear and respectful way, they inform the person of factual information regarding how their disease may be affecting him/herself and those surrounding him/her.
In many circumstances intervention may be the only way to stop a person from severely harming his/herself or others. Often family, friends or coworkers are able to stop a person before an addiction causes dire consequences. A professional intervention allows an individual to become aware that his/her drug or alcohol dependency is affecting those people surrounding him/her.
The immediate objective of an intervention is for the person to listen and to accept help. While many people feel that an alcoholic or addict will not willingly accept treatment until they've hit rock-bottom, an intervention brings the bottom to the alcoholic or addict in a firm but loving, supportive, and organized manner.
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What is an "Interventionist"?
An interventionist is a person who facilitates an intervention. The interventionist is an outsider unaffected by the addict or alcoholic who helps organize and deliver the intervention.
An interventionist will teach family members about the disease of addiction, and teach proper communication skills to be used while confronting the addict or alcoholic. During an intervention, the interventionist helps keep the communication to factual statements with clear expression of feelings.
The interventionist will also help counsel the family on the selection of a treatment center, taking into consideration the patient’s history, financial abilities, and insurance. Following the intervention, the interventionist will accompany the addict or alcoholic to the center.
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Are interventions covered by insurance?
Usually not. Many insurance plans cover drug and alcohol treatment to some degree, but at this time interventions are not covered. Some employers may be able to assist with interventions costs through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
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Is an intervention required to get someone into treatment?
No. In fact many of my phone calls start with, "Have you asked your loved one to go into treatment?" Although the goal of a successful family intervention is not just about getting a person into treatment, it’s about educating the family and starting the process of recovery for the addict or alcoholic as well as the entire family. A professional planned intervention can go way beyond just getting someone into treatment.
A well planned intervention sets boundaries and expectations for when the loved one comes home from treatment which is an integral part in supporting long term sobriety. It allows the alcoholic or addict to see how important and loved he or she is by many people motivating him/her to give recovery his/her all. A professional intervention will educate the family about the disease concept of alcoholism and addiction.
So it is not necessary to have an intervention to get someone in to treatment, but it does help everyone involved on many levels to begin a process of recovery and healing.
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How can I get treatment if I don't have or don't have enough insurance?
It can be a challenge. I admit it.
I work with many treatment centers, all adequate to treat the disease of alcoholism or addiction. I work hard to find a place that not only fits your financial picture but also offers a solid program of recovery.
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What is a "sober buddy"?
Coming home from rehab can be very challenging for the first few weeks. Both the family and the addict or alcoholic need support during the transition period from rehab back to home life. A sober buddy helps the addict or alcoholic put into place the tools and suggestions that were taught in rehab.
Some things that a sober buddy does are:
- Help find meetings for the addict or alcoholic
- Help find transportation to the meetings
- Reinforce the daily routines that were taught in rehab such as
- reading
- prayer
- proper nutrition
- Someone that the addict or alcoholic can feel free to talk to and share their feelings
Many times, coming straight out of rehab and embracing a new way of life is frightening. Your sober buddy helps smooth the way and offers support in any way needed.
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Do you only help people who live near you? I live across the country. What can you do for me?
Not at all. Most times I fly in to meet you. We can accomplish many things by phone and e-mail, but an intervention and the preparation for the intervention needs to be face-to-face. Usually an intervention requires at least one meeting with everyone that will be involved to prepare for the event and rehearse. Additionally, I spend time teaching the intervention participants about the nature of the disease of addiction or alcoholism and answer as many questions as I can. Many times this meeting occurs the day before the intervention, but it really depends on when we can get everyone together in the same room.
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