Intervention and Court-Mandated Treatment - Recovery from Addiction

What if someone you care deeply about is headed in a rapid downward spiral and seems not to realize that there is a serious problem? You might be afraid that the addiction will lead to incarceration or death, as it often does, and you want to do something. This is a different situation from that of a family member who is emotionally invested in controlling the addict, like Mary in the vignettes. This feeling arises out of your knowledge of the severe danger your loved one is in and out of a sense of caring and concern. You see your loved one running full speed ahead toward a cliff, and you want to try to prevent disaster.

The first thing you should do is to make a commitment to go to 12-step meetings for the family members of addicts and alcoholics (Al-Anon, Narc-Anon and others). Pick out a convenient meeting, and go, today if possible. There is probably a listing in your phone book for AA; they will have the information you need. Two other strategies - intervention and court-ordered treatment - are both tricky from an emotional and relational standpoint. You not only need the support and encouragement you will get from these meetings, but you will also have to look at how your loved one's addiction has affected your coping skills and your overall mental health.

The term "intervention" indicates a procedure used by addiction professionals; it is designed to bring the addict rapidly to a point where treatment is accepted. It is somewhat controversial and if not properly conceived and carried out can be quite dangerous. In short, don't try this on your own.

Intervention is generally intiated by a family member, an employer, or a colleague. It involves taking extensive history from the people who know the addict best and who are most concerned about his or her situation.

A list is made of the specific negative consequences that have occurred as a result of the addiction. A plan for getting the addict into a comprehensive treatment program is also devised and set out in advance. The addict is summoned to the intervention, usually not suspecting that family members and others are going to be present. The professional who is orchestrating the intervention will then lead the group through a presentation of the various negative consequences of the addiction, the intention being to break down denial and resistance to treatment. The addict is then presented with a choice between the previously laid-out treatment plan and some type of negative consequence, such as being fired or losing an important relationship.

Intervention is very dangerous emotionally for the addict as well as for the family. It should be carried out only by addiction professionals who are licensed and experienced in this specific technique. It should be done in a supportive manner, and, before the intervention, the confronters (family members, friends, coworkers) should be given ample opportunity to work out their anger at the addict's behavior. The purpose of the session is not to give the participants an opportunity to ventilate anger but to use a form of emotional manipulation to help the addict "hit bottom" before it's too late.