The kindest and most loving thing family and friends can do.

Anytime someone needs help but refuses to accept it, a family intervention is appropriate.

A family intervention can be used for people engaged in any self-destructive behavior:

• a person drinking too much: alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction
• drug abuse, drug addiction
• eating disorders: an anorexic
• gambling addiction, sex addiction
• computer addiction, internet addiction
• a senior needing assisted living

Intervention is the most loving, powerful and successful method yet for helping people accept help.

A family intervention can be done with love and respect in a non-confrontational, non-judgmental manner.

A family intervention is often the answer, the only answer. It can be done. It can be done now.

Family Intervention works.

A common scenario is as follows:

The Preparation

Family and friends may initially be apprehensive and confused. They may be ambivalent about whether or not to do the intervention. Some may be afraid of the person, others may be angry.

The goal is to move from this disorganized and chaotic state to a cohesive, focused group.

To do this, the participants meet with the leader beforehand to educate themselves about the dysfunction, to determine how to best help themselves, and to prepare for Intervention Day. This includes identifying others who should be involved , exploring appropriate treatment options, and preparing what they are going to say.

This preparation often involves several meetings, telephone calls, and culminates in a practice session immediately prior to the Intervention Day.

The time varies, but the process is usually contained within one to two weeks. Sometimes it can be shortened to a weekend.

Family Intervention Day.

Imagine family, friends, work colleagues and an intervention leader entering a man's home or office.

As the leader ensures the process is orderly and safe, the man hears how much he means to everyone there, how he affects them with his behavior, and what they want their relationship with him to be in the future.

Then the man is asked to accept help now; appropriate arrangements are already in place. The tone is loving, respectful and supportive, but firm; there is no debate.

Seeing his many loved ones, friends and colleagues together, the man hears what they say and knows he can no longer hide his problem. Nor does he want to.

In a short time he is receiving help.

Following Family Intervention Day

Much remains to be done. The education process continues. Participants follow through on their plans for helping themselves.

It is never business as usual again.

Family Interventions Vary

Because each family situation is different, the scope and approach to each intervention must vary accordingly. What may be practical and appropriate for one family may not be for another.

For example, some family interventions require several weeks of preparation, others can be done in a few hours or days. Some have a designated "intervention day" on which a formal intervention occurs, others not. Some family interventions have a professional leader present, others not. Often a family intervention occurs in the person's home, others in the leader's office. Some are a surprise, others are not. Sometimes a great deal of family education takes place before the intervention, in others it takes place afterward.

A Word of Caution:

Family interventions are difficult and delicate matters and it is important that they be done properly.

No family intervention should be undertaken without advice and counsel of a professional experienced in the intervention process.
Furthermore, since people embarking on an intervention often feel ambivalent and apprehensive, it is important that they trust the interventionist. Should you ever feel uneasy with your interventionist, that you are being asked to do something you do not understand or agree with, you would be wise to stop the process and go elsewhere.

Executive Intervention

Sometimes a key employee develops a self-destructive habit; for example, alcohol abuse.

This often causes lack of creativity and productivity, poor decisions, deteriorating public relations or expensive mistakes. It is costly to let a key executive go, as is finding a replacement. Perhaps this is a valued employee, possibly a friend, who has served well for many years. Far better to correct the problem and keep the executive.

But how do you address the problem without doing more harm than good?

• Do it right. This is no time for questionable techniques or half-way measures.
• Do no harm. Act only within the confines of legality and professional ethics, and only with deepest respect.
• Do it now. The risk of delay is great for both the executive and the organization.
• Call for assistance. Engage an experienced professional interventionist. The situation is too critical and delicate to do otherwise.

Intervention with top executives in a corporate or other professional setting is very effective.

However, there are many issues unique to interventions conducted in these circumstances. Public relation issues, legal implications, continuing care and return-to-work matters, and disclosure issues can all be extremely delicate. These and other matters must all be handled with extreme care.