Intervention technique may help alcoholic

Dear Dr. LeCrone: “My husband has a long term problem with alcohol and the problem seems to be getting worse. He doesn’t believe he needs help but his family and many of his friends know otherwise.

It seems like he drinks to excess to celebrate good times and drinks to excess when he’s unhappy and things aren’t going well. He really needs no excuse to trigger off another drinking spell and his problem with alcohol has affected all of us in the family. His morning after memory losses, anger and abusive outbursts and driving while under the influence of alcohol are a few of the examples of the problems his drinking is causing.

Whenever I talk to him about getting help for his problem he tells me to mind my own business. I have heard that there is a technique that helps individuals get into treatment and rehabilitation before they “hit the bottom”. Can you share any information you might have on this subject?”

Dear Reader: Professionals who treat chemical dependency and substance abuse have developed a technique known as intervention available to many families, friends and co-workers of individuals suffering from alcohol and drug problems.

A key element of this technique is to confront the denial of the abuser. Confrontation does create a crisis. But a crisis is needed to break through the denial and prepare the user for treatment. Intervention is saving lives, preserving jobs and healing families. In a systematic, well-planned and committed manner, the chemically dependent person is given the opportunity to either confront his problem or suffer the consequences. The abuser is made to see that he/she must seek help and is reassured that those around him/her are willing to play a key role in the treatment.

Some of the elements of intervention include:

• Contact with a professional knowledgeable in alcoholism and other types of chemical dependency to assist in planning the intervention.
• Involvement with as many of the people close to the alcoholic or drug user as possible – close friends, colleagues and possibly the family physician and minister.

Before the conference, each participant makes a list of ways the substance abuser’s behavior affects them. The list should be specific, but not judgmental. At the conference, reach an agreement on what action will taken if the abuser refuses to cooperate. Stick with it. Conduct the conference when the person is sober.

Intervention produces a high percentage of positive results in that the suffering individual moves into treatment. The road to recovery, like the treatment of many diseases, is not easy and takes hard work and commitment. But the rewards, the saving of lives and families and the new chemical free life makes the road to recovery worth traveling.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2001