Preparing a family for Intervention
Written By: Benjamin Randolph Date: April 3rd, 2009. Topic: Member Blogs.
I have been finding in my practice lately that many families (or groups of friends) are hesitant to move forward with an intervention. Now, the family has mentioned that the use is troubling and there is usually varying degrees of consequences the addicted individual has experienced related to their use. The family often feels their loved one has not “hit bottom.” Instead of asking the family what a bottom looks like (in cases where the consequences have been severe, it is tempting), I just explain my role is to “show them (the addicted individual) they have hit bottom.” Not only is it imperative to properly prepare the family for what to expect in the intervention, it is also necessary to explain the importance of the various policies of the treatment center that is being used. Families who feel supported will be more helpful and supportive to the treatment center and the addicted individual when they are in the facility. Another key element is to maintain a relationship with the family, the treatment center, and the addicted individual, so that you may help sort out any communication problems later. The treatment centers, families, and addicted individuals have all reported appreciating this. Having a symbiotic relationship with all the parties involved is so important, yet as I network throughout the nation, I find that many people seem to be self-serving. In closing, I think the best way to prepare a family for intervention is to model compassion for their addicted family member and for their current way of operating as a family. Also model respect for the various programs and their different policies, taking time to explain those policies the family may take issue with. Finally, remain transparent; I know it sounds funny, but I had an adolescent locked-down facility who didn’t know how I could get their clients into their facility without being deceptive. I replied, “you send me the clients, I’ll get them through your door, and I’ll tell them the truth.” It might not be “according to the book,” but I’ve been blessed with an incredibly high success rate getting people through intervention and successfully into treatment. Compassion is the key to any intervention. -Ben Randolph, Compassionate Interventions
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