Intervention 101

For years, I have been asked the question, “What is an Interventionist?”  With the introduction of A&E’s television show, “Intervention”, more people are being introduced to the theory of interventions.  Interventions are not a new concept in fact Vernon Johnson developed the first model in the 1960’s.  The three models primarily used today include the Johnson, ARISE, and the Systemic Models. 

Interventionists generally determine which model to use based on the circumstances presented by the family.   Originally, the Johnson model was developed for alcohol and drug addiction; however, other addictions such as gambling, sex, eating disorders, computer/ internet, and shopping addiction are successfully intervened on by using these techniques.  In addition to family interventions, workplace and executive interventions are commonly carried out.  For this article, I will use the term “concerned persons” to include all types of interventions.

It is important that interventions are planned and facilitated with a certified intervention specialist.  By the time an intervention is sought, most concerned persons have tried everything they possibly could to help the individual struggling with the addiction. Statistics show that it takes an average of seven years for a concerned person to seek help dealing with the addicted individual.   Often the concerned person feels a high level of frustration and anger with the addicted individual because everything they have tried has not worked.  Concerned persons may feel betrayed, confused, guilty and defensive and sometimes they blame each other, themselves and the addicted individual for their own difficulties.  It is imperative that these feelings are worked through with the Interventionist in order to intervene on the addict in a safe and respectful manner.

The Interventionist is the one person in the room who is not emotionally attached to the addicted individual, allowing an objective process to take place through monitored respect and love of the addicted individual.

The Interventionist works with the concerned persons to form the appropriate intervention team, develop strategies for the intervention, provide education on addiction, assess the needs for referral and make arrangements with the appropriately identified treatment facility, and transport the client to such facility.

Interventions that are properly executed allow the concerned persons to begin resolving the hurt and anger that has developed by the relationship with the addicted individual. Through properly facilitated interventions, concerned persons are transformed in ways that are necessary for lasting change to occur within the addicted individual.

Interventionists require specialized training to guide concerned persons through the intervention process successfully.  Although a background is addictions and human behaviour is essential, intervention training is paramount.  It takes a great amount of knowledge, skill, and flexibility to become an Interventionist. When enquiring about an Interventionist, ask how long they has been doing interventions, how they conduct them, what training they have had, and if they are certified.  It is important that you trust the Interventionist!