Vernon E. Johnson (1986) defines an intervention as: “…presenting reality to a
person out of touch with it in a receivable way”. However, the intervention must
have a practical goal that is transforming. Johnson (1986) goes on by saying:
“The goal of the intervention is to break down those defenses so that reality
can shine through long enough for the person to accept it.” (Intervention. p. 61).
An intervention is a behavioral confrontation that assists the person through
love, concern and empathy. The intervention is not an attacking process,
but instead an opportunity to communicate care and concern for a person's
well-being. In a nutshell…an intervention seeks to share “windows of truth”.
How to Start an Intervention:
* Contact the Addiction Intervention Group, and fill out the intake form.
* Work with the Addiction Intervention Group to plan your intervention. This
process will include working with your interventionist to.
Identify the participants (i.e., employer, supervisor, parents, children, friends
or
neighbors, co-worker or clergy).
Develop the intervention team members and their availability.
Work with the Addiction Intervention Group to write specific incidents or
conditions related to the person’s addictive behavior(s) that legitimize your
concern.
Work with the Addiction Intervention Group to ensure appropriate treatment
options in your area.
How to Rehearse an Intervention:
* From the beginning you will work closely with the Addiction Intervention
Group to completion of the intervention. The contact person will be critical
in arranging the rehearsal, additional phone consults or conferences, and
to be available for any one of the intervention team members to contact
throughout the intervention process from beginning to end.
* Have each participant share their letters during the rehearsal and any
concerns, feelings or fears concerning the actual intervention. The
Addiction Intervention Group will critique each of the letters. This critique
will be for the purpose of helping the reader clarify facts and ensure that
what is read is not demeaning, or attacking.
* Work with the Addiction Intervention Group to arrange the seating, and
the order of readers.
* Identify someone who is very familiar with the person being intervened
on…so that they can role play. This is to help prepare the group for the
challenges of the intervention.
* Work with each intervention particpant to personalize their closing
comments of their letters, so that they are all giving the same or similar
closings as far as what needs to be done.
* The Addiction Intervention Group professionals will work closely with you
from beginning to the actual intervention and beyond. The person contacting
the Addiction Intervention Group is critical in arranging the rehearsal,
additional phone consults or conferences and needs to be available for
further consultation throughout the intervention process.
* Conduct the rehearsal.
* Set a date for the intervention to take place.
* Conduct the intervention with the Addiction Intervention Group.