A Time to Heal: Family Interventions
Professional and Compassionate Substance Abuse Intervention Services for the Family
Strategic solutions to recovery often start with the help of a professional interventionist.
What is an Intervention?
A common myth is that you have to let your loved one hit rock bottom before they will be willing to accept help. This isn’t true. Someone on their way to the bottom is already suffering and, without professional help, could end up with significant and even consequences – such as:
- Legal issues
- Trouble getting or keeping a job
- Strained relationships
- Severe or even life threatening physical side effects
An intervention is a process in which a professional addiction recovery expert helps the family of an individual who is struggling with substance use disorder. The goal is to help the family get their loved one into a substance abuse treatment program BEFORE they hit rock bottom.
But, not all interventions are the same. Sometimes what the family needs is help, guidance and support – and that doesn’t always lead to the individual going to a treatment center. Sometimes it starts with the family realizing that they also need help and getting professional care for themselves might be the best place to start. Remember, if your loved one needs help, you probably do too!
“An intervention is not simply helping the individual, it’s helping the entire family get healthy.”
– Brad Langenberg, Professional Interventionist
How Do Interventions Work?
Interventions aren’t a one time planned event, but rather a process that takes time. Generally the process starts when the loved one of an individual struggling with drugs or alcohol reaches out for help. The goal is to get the individual into treatment but it should also be about getting the family the care and support they need as well.
Once the loved one engages with the interventionist for an initial consultation, they can discuss their concerns and determine how and if the interventionist can help. What we’ve found is often times the family simply needs help navigating the confusing (and sometimes overwhelming) journey to getting a loved one into treatment.
If a formal group intervention is needed, one will be carefully planned and organized. Everyone involved should be given the opportunity to prepare and provided with clear goals and rules in order to get the best outcome.
During the intervention, members discuss behavior and consequences. This may include discussing examples of behavior or anecdotes. However, the intervention is not wholly concerned with identifying an issue as much as it is in outlining a practical plan of treatment.
Our interventions serve as an opportunity to open a discussion. It’s an opportunity to lead with love and focus on solutions. We remain focused on the right course of action for the individual in need of substance use treatment solutions and the needs of the family, always working to bring out the best.
“Interventions are more of a process than a one time event.”
– Jim Haggerty, Professional Interventionist
Experienced Drug and Alcohol Interventionists
Our process is not an ultimatum-based approach. We believe every person deserves, respect, compassion and love. And, we strongly believe there is always hope. We assist with helping the family become informed, educated and prepared- always providing the whole family with support through the entire process of hope and healing.
We also believe strongly in professional treatment, but it is of utmost importance that the families and their loved one find that advocate and guiding force to help navigate the process and find a good fit for their loved one in the best treatment center for them.
We will work with you and your loved one before, during and after they are admitted to a recovery center and provide guidance while in their initial stages of treatment, as well as throughout their other various levels of care, which can include:
- Inpatient, Residential Treatment
- Outpatient Care (PHP, IOP and OP)
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Continued Psychiatric Care
- Other Extended Care
Having the connections, the insight into the treatment industry and preferred facilities enables us to help your loved one get targeted care and ensure a positive treatment experience. The goal is continued, sustainable recovery for both the family and their loved one.
Addiction is a disease and it’s okay if you need help understanding the best way to treat it.
Ongoing Family Advocacy
We know support for the family is needed long-term in order to ensure your loved one gets the best care possible. We will be here to support you and work with the treatment professionals to help guide the family with choosing a good fit initially for your loved one at what level of care is indicated to ongoing aftercare, serving as a liaison with providers and offering expert recovery guidance. Our aim is to provide more than just treatment oversight, however. We want to be an advocate, a guiding light and a support system that helps families through recovery by getting at the root of the problem and addressing any underlying issue. The goal is not just to help the individual get treatment, but to improve the quality of life and relationships of the entire family.
Creating a plan that works for everyone can be challenging. We’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.
Addiction Intervention FAQ’s
Want to learn more about the process of a professional substance use disorder family intervention? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Contact us if you still have questions and would like to discuss our intervention services.
How To Do an Intervention?
When a formal face-to-face intervention is planned, it will take place in a safe place agreed upon by your family, one that feels respectful and comfortable.
Before any interaction takes place, an interventionist will help:
- Make a plan for the intervention and how thoughts and feelings should be introduced and delivered
- Research viable options for treatment, for there may be a number of factors involved with addiction
- Identify an intervention team, which may consist of doctors, counselors, family members, and those who may help to make progress successful
- Outline consequences if commitments are not met
- Hold the intervention gathering
- Follow-up with members to ensure treatment is sought and recovery process is set in motion and follow up aftercare goals are met
When is the Best Time for an Intervention?
It’s time when you and your loved one are suffering. The suffering may be related to drug abuse, alcoholism, and/or reckless behavior and decisions. This isn’t a time to rehash who’s to blame or an invitation to shame. It’s an opportunity to get help. To start focusing on recovery solutions and overall wellness.
How to Find an Interventionist
Find an interventionist who fits the style and preferences of your family. A great interventionist comes to understand your family’s individual needs. They present and connect with a style that’s effective yet comfortable and respectful.
An experienced interventionist wants to know as many details as possible. There’s no shame or feeling that you’re sharing your family’s “skeletons or secrets.”” We’ve been in the field a long time and spoke with many people. We’ve been in situations ourselves; we use our past and present experiences to sharpen our wisdom and become better helpers that are solution focused.
Why Hire An Interventionist?
Addiction is emotional. Family members and loved ones often don’t have the recovery and rehabilitation training needed. Even if they did, it would be incredibly difficult to emotionally detach enough to remain focused on solutions. Interventionists often serve as a missing ingredient, able to offer direct experience and unwavering focus.
Brad and Jim know that an intervention is really about the family and supporting them well beyond helping a loved one get into treatment. They’ve both come to understand that recovery is a lifestyle. It’s not a badge of shame but a sign of growth and earned wisdom.
