FAQ 3

What is an intervention?

An intervention is an event during which a substance abuser is confronted by loved ones about a problem with drugs or alcohol. Most successful interventions occur under the supervision of an intervention specialist in collaboration with close friends or family. By the time an intervention is necessary, the addiction or problem has gotten to the point where anyone coming into contact with the user understands that there is a problem.

At National Rehabs, the phone consultants and specialists work in close contact with the user's family. In most cases the intervention process begins with the initial phone call from a loved one to an intervention consultant. During this call the consultant will gather information for the intervention specialist and once reviewed the specialist will contact the family. The call between the specialist and the family answers any questions or concerns and also helps to solidify plans for the actual intervention.

All of this is done in a relatively short period of time since the user is probably in dire need of help. The intervention specialist then comes out to a specified location, usually the substance abuser's residence, or the home of a loved one, and as a team, the family and the specialist work together to highlight the pain and suffering that substance abuse has caused. The intervention may be quick, but sometimes it takes a number of hours to break down the denial and walls put up by the substance abusers.

Interventions have a very high success rate most likely because the specialist and the family work as a team to help the using individual. If the intervention is successful, the user will agree to attend treatment, plans for which have been made in advance. The specialist will then act as an escort for the individual and take him/her to the treatment facility that has been chosen.