The Need for Intervention
Because a defining characteristic of individuals suffering from chemical dependency is denial, the alcoholic or addict is frequently, at least seemingly, unaware of his or her problem. As the chemically dependent individual trips merrily along in life those closest to them are frequently thrown into a state of crisis. Even when not in crisis those around the addict/alcoholic may be significantly affected by the individual's behavior.

Intervention is often a last stop for many families, employers and friends. After an intervention, those who participate in the intervention can know that they have done everything possible to help the chemically dependent person realize the need to get help. No matter the outcome, those who participate in an intervention leave knowing they have done the right thing.

What does an intervention look like?
Interventions come in basically two models. One way in which interventions are done, is to forcefully, though often employing compassion at the same time, confront the chemically dependent individual. The other is to turn the process completely over to a professional versed in Motivational Interviewing.
 

Preparing for the Intervention
In the first model, the type family and loved ones are most likely to be involved in, intervention is not a discussion or negotiation, the individual receiving the intervention is asked to listen and not speak. The actual session with all parties present including the chemically dependant may be as short as twenty or thirty minutes. However, there are typically also two preparation sessions. During the first session the family, friends an/or employer share information about the individual with the interventionist. The interventionist can help determine who should and should not be present during the final session and will provide the participants with several things to think about. Frequently, the interventionist will ask the participants to write, in the form of a letter, what they would like to say to the chemically dependant person about their love or warmth for the person. Next the letter will describe how the individual writing it sees the chemically dependant person being effected by their drug or alcohol use and how that use is effecting the person writing the letter. Finally the letter will encourage the individual to get treatment.
 

Practice of Intervention
A second session without the chemically dependant person will take place so that everyone can practice what they are going to say or read their letters out loud. The interventionist, can at this point give the specifics about when, where and how the intervention will occur. Since the person receiving the intervention is frequently kept in the dark up till the moment the intervention occurs the interventionist can help strategize about how to get the person to the intervention. Since an intervention would not be necessary if the chemically dependant person were already read to take action, it is generally assumed that they would not willingly participate if they knew what was coming, but once faced with a group of caring family and friends they rarely walk out of the situation once in it.

Intervention
Though intervention is a process it is the final stage which is typically thought of as The Intervention.  Someone will have been designated as the person to ensure that the chemically dependant person arrives at the intervention.  Once the person has arrived they will be told that they have been asked to come so that family and friends can express some concerns they have and they will be asked to listen and not speak.  Confronted with a group of people who obviously care about the individual the chemically dependant person has an opportunity to evaluate the problem for him or herself.  In the best case scenario, her or she will agree to treatment and will leave immediately from the intervention to a pre-arranged treatment center.

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