Intervention – “the cry for help and the use of crisis”
Johnson, Vernon. I’ll Quit Tomorrow, Harper and Row, Publishers, Inc. NY, NY, 1980
The Johnson Institute’s model of intervention was a breakthrough method that still aims to restore self-confidence and instill hope for a life free from the compulsions that drive any addiction. This gentle, kind, respectful, and loving model is designed to
confront a suffering addict and pave the way for a permanent recovery. I have been using this method for over 20 years, and have seen miracles happen, even when nobody thought their loved-one could ever rediscover a joyful life.
Who might benefit from an intervention? People who have the capacity to get honest about the unmanageability in their lives can benefit from this process. People who are severely mentally ill may require other, special services that may need treatment and stabilization first.
Who should participate in an intervention? Family members and other concerned persons are welcome to participate in an intervention as long as they themselves are not actively mired in the throes of an addiction. We prefer a variety of participants who have personally seen how the addiction has ruined a person’s life. For example, co-workers, old friends, a pastor, may join the intervention team with the approval of the interventionist. People who are considered inappropriate for participation may be people who are too angry with the person and would therefore subvert the intervention process. One of the responsibilities of the intervention specialist is to have confidence that all members of the team are able to participate in a loving way.
How long does this process take? The average number of preparatory sessions is three; the intervention itself can be accomplished in two hours. The preparatory sessions involve: getting an overview of the compulsive disorder from prospective participants, insuring that addiction (dependency) is indeed present, and deciding on the members of the intervention team. After that is accomplished the team members bring their data to a practice session. Then the group decides where and when to conduct the intervention itself.
What else needs to happen before an intervention can occur? One of the most important things that needs to be accomplished before the intervention is to determine where the addict will go for a program of recovery. It is important that the person go as soon as possible after the intervention, that all appropriate people are notified, and all loopholes are closed, like insurance benefits and cost/payment for treatment.
Why do we need an intervention specialist? We have already told this person what we think many times. The intervention specialist provides the tone for the intervention, insuring that the addict knows he/she is safe, that nobody will be allowed to treat him/her disrespectfully, and that even if everything has been said before, it has never been said in a gentle, loving way, in the presence of others who have also witnessed the devastation.
When contacting us about an Intervention, leave a contact number, a time when you can speak freely, and whether it's okay for us to leave a message at the contact phone number.
You can find out more about our Intervention Services by contacting us now.
To learn more about related subjects like sex addiction, compulsive gambling, and substance abuse please browse the Archived Articles section of our Commonly Asked Questions page.
If you are concerned for your loved one, contact us now to find out how we can help.
