Intervention Against Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

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.