Intervention is the first step in the rehab process to convince the alcoholic that he has an alcohol abuse addiction and that he/she requires detoxification and rehabilitation at an alcohol rehab center.
Intervention is an attempt made by the family,
friends and close social circle of an alcoholic to make the latter aware that
he/she has a substance abuse addiction problem that is negatively impacting and
disrupting their lives. One of the behavioral aspects of an addict is that
he/she is oblivious to the fact that they have a substance
abuse or addiction problem. The intervention is the first step in the
rehabilitation process where the honesty and openness to discuss the problem is initiated by one's
close social circle. This is the stage where awareness is raised and
realization occurs that one indeed has a problem. The honesty, support and care
displayed by the family and friends at this point is what encourages most
addicts to go for detox and rehab. Intervention need not only be done for
alcohol abuse or drug abuse, it can be done for myriad behavioral problems like internet
addiction, workaholic, depression, mourning etc.
Intervention as a method of rehabilitation was first pioneered by Dr. Vernon
Johnson in the 1960's. The most difficult step was to convince and initiate an
alcoholic to undergo alcohol rehab. To quote Dr. Johnson:
It is a myth that [the chemically
dependent] have some spontaneous insight and then seek treatment. Victims of
this disease do not submit to treatment out of spontaneous insight – typically,
in our experience they come to their recognition scenes through a buildup of
crises that crash through their almost impenetrable defense systems. They are
forced to seek help; and when they don’t, they perish miserably.
I’ll Quit Tomorrow Vernon Johnson 1973
The Johnson method of intervention is a confrontational approach where the
family and friends kind of ambush the addict and discuss with him honestly and
candidly how the substance abuse and addiction is affecting their lives. The
shock and surprise tends to overwhelm the addict with guilt and shame and most
addicts enter rehab after an intervention. However this method has come under
criticism because the mental state of guilt and shame that is felt by the
addict is counter-productive to successful rehab. Many alcoholics have relapsed
after one stint in rehab due to confrontational rehab because of resentment and
spite. Nowadays a more invitational approach to intervention is recommended,
where the addict or alcoholic in involved right from the beginning. These methods
of intervention include the Systemic Intervention or A.R.I.S.E Intervention.
While intervention has been recognized as a crucial first step in the
rehabilitation process, it is equally crucial for all parties in the
intervention to actively be involved throughout the rehabilitation process. Love
and care is the best detox.
