Frequently
Asked Questions About Intervention
Is it true that an intervention
means a lot of confrontation and anger?
Anger is always
possible, but seldom becomes a deciding factor. Every precaution should
be taken to prevent an angry confrontation of any kind. If there is
someone on the concerned team who cannot control his or her anger,
he or she should not be invited to participate.
Can we stop the process
once we start?
Yes. The family
or concerned persons can stop the process at any time.
Who should participate?
Family, friends,
physicians, employers, clergy, counselors, and people who know and
are concerned about the affected person.
What if it doesn't work?
We have a saying:
"There is no such thing as a failed intervention." Even if the abuser
refuses to accept the suggested help today, he or she may have a change
of mind and be willing to cooperate later. A hidden benefit which
is seldom mentioned is the support the family will feel following
the intervention.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality
will be honored. Intervention specialists are in recovery and know
the importance of anonymity.
What is involved in terms
of time commitment?
Interventions
should be well planned. Usually the group should plan to spend a minimum
of four to six hours of preparation time.
How many people should
be involved?
We recommend between
4 and 12. Numbers are not as important as the quality of the people
involved. We don't want a best drinking or using friend. We prefer
people who know the individual and really care about him or her and
want to help.
Who are the intervention
specialists?
Persons with two
years of recovery who have received special training to lead an intervention.
Is a person ever ready
to be intervened upon?
You don't have
to wait for the person to be "ready" or "hit bottom"
to have a successful intervention. To wait may be cruel.
Information on the intervention
process is provided by Lost and Found Ministry,
a service of Trinity Luthern Church of Moorhead, MN.
