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For Intervention Help Call Us 24 Hours a Day - 7 Days a Week
Drug, Alcohol and Addiction Intervention has come a long way since it was first developed by Vernon Johnson in the 1960's. Today, there are two basic models of professional intervention in use. They differ from each other in very significant ways.
The Johnson Model
This model is the one most people are familiar with; it is the model used on the A&E television show, Intervention. It is also known as the "surprise" or "confrontational" model, or with some adaptations it is known as "motivational". It is very short in duration, usually no more than 2 hours. It is a complete surprise to the alcoholic or addict, who is the target of the intervention. There is usually little preparation and virtually no education provided about the disease of addiction or co-dependency. With this model, the addict is confronted and pushed into treatment. This can alienate the addict and further separate him or her from their family.
The Family Intervention Model
Family Intervention differs from the Johnson Model in two important ways, making it preferable in most every case. It is invitational and educational.
1. Invitational - Everyone is invited to attend all sessions in this model, including the addict or alcoholic. With this model, the family leads the way to recovery rather than pushing. There are no surprises, no hiding, no sneaking, no deception, no dishonesty. This difference is critical for everyone involved and a key to the beginning of recovery. Addiction has caused serious damage to family relationships; healing begins with the family as well.
2. Educational – Family Intervention is educational and interactive wherein all participants learn about the disease of alcoholism, addiction, co-dependency, treatment, treatment options and recovery. All participants are helped into recovery thereby addressing their own specific needs and pain.
Why Family Intervention?
Addiction is the focus, not the addicted person- Participants focus on learning about the diseases of alcoholism, addiction and co-dependency. The focus is taken solely off of the addicted person and placed on the disease and what it is doing to that person and the family.
Addressing the family system as a whole- Alcoholism and addiction are family diseases impacting not only the alcoholic or addict, but all family members and close friends as well. This model targets the disease of addiction and how this disease impacts each and every member of the family system individually and as a whole. The alcoholic has long been the primary, and often the exclusive, focus of this family. Family members have argued, worried, rescued, pleaded, avoided, supported and been totally obsessed with their loved one's addiction. Thus, herein, the focus changes dramatically, often for the first time, off of the addict onto the family. It is time for this family to get help, for this family to address their fears, their concerns, their health. The alcoholic or addict is a part of the family, not the whole family.
Unlike other models, Family Intervention is invitational. With professional coaching, your loved one is openly, honestly and with love and respect invited to join the family in a process as you address the pain and suffering addiction has caused and begin this life-altering healing process together. Because of this, the hard feelings, anger and resentments that often accompany other forms of intervention are minimized or eliminated altogether. No one likes to be ambushed. Ambush is unnecessary. In many instances, it can be highly destructive. You fear if invited they won't come? Don't worry, they do. And, in the highly unlikely event they do not, the workshop takes place without them. In these cases, the family needs more help, not less.
Participation in Family Intervention educates all participants about addictive disease, co-dependency, treatment options, resources, and recovery. Knowledge is power. With knowledge and new tools you and your family can make the best choices for your own health and healing.
Individualized Recovery Plans- Recovery is individual and personal. Each participant is provided their own alcohol & drug recovery plan. The family begins recovery from co-dependency at the same time the addict begins recovery from addiction. This leads to a healthier and more loving family.
For the sake of your whole family, call Compass Interventions at 1.855.200.HOPE (4673) and allow us to help your loved one begin a journey toward a new life.
