Addiction Intervention Programs in Massachusetts

Who Needs a Drug or Alcohol Intervention?

A loved one struggling with addiction will always benefit from a caring, honest conversation about how their behavior is affecting the people they love and who love them most. Typically, a true intervention is a more dramatic step that is appropriate when conversation, therapy, and other less intrusive approaches have failed.

When someone is using drugs or alcohol in an addictive manner, they may show different signs and symptoms depending on which drugs they are using. Looking out for these signs and symptoms can help determine if a loved one is suffering from addiction and in need of an intervention.

Pitfalls to Avoid at an Intervention

Even with preparation, there are important points to avoid during an intervention. They are important because they will quickly close your loved one's mind off from listening and considering what you are saying.  This will prevent the from agreeing that changes in their behavior are needed and that they need help to do so.  It's hard for anyone to agree they can't control themselves and harder to seek help. 

To fully understand what an intervention should accomplish, it can be important to know what an intervention should not entail. According to the Association of Professional Intervention Specialists, an intervention should avoid the following:

• Labels like “alcoholic,” “addict,” “junkie,” etc.: These can be taken as accusatory. Instead, opt for neutral terms and avoid defining the person by their addiction.
• Too many people: Pick a core group of close friends and family, and stick to a small number of people.
• Being upset during the intervention: Find ways to manage personal feelings so the event doesn’t become overrun by strong emotions. Avoid being hurtful or angry which are valid feelings to have but not helpful in an intervention.
• An intoxicated subject: If the subject of the intervention is intoxicated or under the influence when the event is supposed to occur, it is not likely to be effective. Be prepared to wait for the person to sober up.
• Be honest and supportive: Presenting the impact of ones actions will be an unavoidable ambush which is worsened if Coercive or based in shame tactics are used.

The only way for interventions to be successful is if they are based in love, honesty, and support. Discussions about emotional hurt, anger, fear, or concern should only come up if they reflect the love of family and friends. An intervention is not a place to embarrass, shame, or scold the person struggling with addiction; these tactics are more likely to make the person retreat further into substance abuse patterns.

Give us a call today at 617-213-6887 or connect with us online to get started and learn more about our addiction treatment services.

How to Stage a Drug and Alcohol Intervention

7 Steps in Staging a Drug or Alcohol Intervention

Common Intervention Models

All formal interventions will generally follow the 7 staging process discussed above. Depending on the situation, one of two common intervention models will be used. The two common models are the Johnson Model and the Family Systemic Model.

Johnson Model

The Johnson Model incorporates seven specific components for intervention:

• A Team: The intervention team will be organized with the help of the chosen interventionist and will include family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
• Planning: This stage will determine the time of the intervention as well as exactly what each team member will say to the individual suffering from addiction during the intervention.
• Focus on Care: This focus should be observed throughout the entire intervention. The intervention should be a space of love and acceptance, and there should be no yelling or criticism.
• Addiction Only: Addiction is the only issue that should be discussed during the intervention. Past experiences that are unrelated to addiction should be left out of the conversation.
• Evidence: Evidence of the problem should be provided in each of the letters. The letters should include any events relating to the addiction and how these events have affected each individual. It is important to use as much detail as possible.
• Primary Goal:  Treatment: The goal of the intervention is for the individual to accept a treatment plan. This treatment plan should be agreed upon by attendees beforehand and should be presented as a way to improve the loved one's life rather than as a punishment.
• Treatment Options: Three different treatment options should be presented to the individual suffering from addiction. Options allow them to have a choice and may make it easier for them to accept treatment.

Family Systemic Model

The Family Systemic Model is a bit different than traditional intervention models and focuses on including the loved one suffering from addiction in every aspect. Following are some of the benefits of the family systems model and family systems therapy:

• Helps establish boundaries, which in turn will ultimately help the person struggling with sobriety and recovery
• It strengthens the support systems between family members, which includes how one family member supports another when they are forced to confront the person struggling
• Helps build communication skills within the family
• Addresses issues of “codependency,” which can be a significant problem in households that are “taken hostage” by addiction
• Family systems therapy can help foster empathy and compassion for one another because, before this therapy, family members are often unaware of what the others are going through