One way a person may come into treatment is through an "intervention." This usually takes place when loved ones become so concerned about the person's alcohol and/or drug abuse. Loved ones have seen significant problems and consequences from the alcohol/drug use. These problems typically include: increased use over time, family and relationship problems, legal, health, work, or emotional problems.
An intervention is a very detailed process that typically requires several meetings with the family or loved ones prior to meeting with the substance abuser. Participants may include: parents, adult children, siblings, co-workers, close friends or medical providers. An intervention ought to be done with great care and a treatment plan in place. The intervention may be one in which the individual is unaware until it's done or may be aware of the intervention and part of the process early on.
The process includes loved ones being very specific and honest about their concerns. What they've seen in regard to the addiction being a serious concern (i.e. actions, consequences, health concerns, etc.) It also includes how the person/loved one has been affected by the substance abuse.
Interventions require very specific qualifications and expertise and should be done by licensed professionals with interventionist training and specialization. It's important to seek out those person's with the qualifications to lead loved ones through the process.
A major goal of interventions is to...
- Help the person break through any denial and to see that there is a serious problem based on their actions and consequences and what could happen if they don't stop using.
- To provide specific places the person can go to receive treatment. Details of places to go for treatment, costs, point people to talk to at these treatment centers is crucial. As many issues that could stand in the way should of already been worked out.
- What will happen if the person decides not to get help, not to quit using - what loved ones will and won't do if using continues.
An intervention is a major event in a person's life and in the life of loved ones and should be done with great care and concern. It should also be done with professionals who have the expertise and credentials to carry them out.
The hope and goal of interventions is to present the truth to the person with the substance abuse and to provide a solution via the appropriate treatment available.
Once the initial treatment is completed, it is very important for the person to have continuing care - especially if going out of town for treatment. The 
is a great fit for this continuing care as the first 2 years of sobriety are so important to long term success.
