What is an Intervention?

The word “intervention” in this context means “a process by which the harmful affects of chemical dependency or addiction are interrupted and the chemically dependent person or addict is helped into treatment.”

Every alcoholic or addict who begins the journey of recovery does so by way of intervention. There are no exceptions.

There are two types of intervention:

1. The unplanned, ugly, devastating intervention
This variety includes, but is not limited to:

Arrests (including long and short-term incarcerations)
Accidents (auto, personal injury, work-related)
Relationship ruptures (family arguments, separation, divorce)
Financial losses (business failures, legal and personal debt)
Job loss or impairment (LWOP, professional license suspension)
Health problems

These interventions are commonly known as "consequences". Addicts and alcoholics may experience many of these types of interventions before seeking help. Their families and friends experience them as well. Tragically, this goes on for years, often decades as the disease advances and the interventions get worse. These interventions are destructive and devastating not only to the addict, but also to the family and friends. Amazingly, even the most serious and heartbreaking consequences such as divorce and major financial setbacks are recoverable, if not in whole, at least in great part. However, some interventions are not recoverable . . . ever. These include fatal traffic accidents or other criminal acts where someone dies as the result of a person's drinking or drugging or health consequences that are so severe the alcoholic or addict can not recover. Sadly, most people begin recovery through an unplanned, ugly intervention.
But there is an easier, better way...

2. The professionally planned and facilitated intervention

The advantages of a professionally planned and facilitated intervention can not be more profound or clear. Some of them include:

Superior education about the disease and recovery
Control over the intervention
Less destruction to the addict and the family
Painful, devastating consequences halted and reduced
Earlier treatment enhancing likelihood of successful recovery

There are only two choices. Wait for the addict/alcoholic to suffer an unplanned, ugly intervention severe enough to get him or her to seek help on their own ("hitting bottom") as the disease gets worse and the addict and the family suffer more consequences. . . Or, intervene professionally.