What Is The Point Of An Addiction Intervention?
One of the great new therapeutic treatments for addicts of any kind was to for the families and friends of the addict to hold what was called an "addiction intervention". This is when the addict is surrounded by everyone who cares about him or her and told to get help, because the addiction was hurting them. Over the years, employers and employees have even held addiction interventions. Some have even been captured on reality TV shows, such as VH1's Breaking Bonaduce. Addiction interventions are also pretty standard fare on talk shows such as Dr. Phil. But do they actually work?
A Personal Case
I held several addiction interventions for my alcoholic significant other during the tumultuous time I was with him. None of them did any good. This is not to say that an addiction intervention will not work for EVERY addict, but it sure didn't help me one iota. Perhaps if there had been a camera crew around, it might have made a difference, but I personally doubt it. My significant other had chosen a career in alcoholism and he thought we were being judgmental and he resented the addiction interventions highly.
It All Depends
Probably the major difference between my ex-boyfriend's failure to respond to any addiction intervention and the addict in your life may be because my ex only cared about himself. Perhaps the addict you want to hold an addiction intervention for actually cares about hurting other people. They might even care about dying. Those addicts are a bit more open to your suggestions.
If you do hold an addiction intervention, try not to be preachy or demanding. This tends to make the addict think they are being bossed around and most will rebel. Also, it does absolutely no good to hold an addiction intervention when the addict is stoned, drunk or whatever. They will just agree with you to shut you up and they will not remember a word of the actual intervention.
Location, Location, Location
The best places to hold addiction interventions are very impromptu affairs at hospital emergency rooms, jail cells and roadside accidents. Sometimes successful interventions have been held at a friend's house or some other neutral territory. Holding them in their own homes is a waste of time. It their territory and they can legally throw you out if they don't like what you are saying.
But no matter what you do, the final decision is always down with the choice of the addict. If you cannot handle that, drop the addict from your life immediately, for they will become dangerous to you eventually if they do not stop.
