Intervention used to treat substance abuse

With the first hint of fall, feelings of excitement and anticipation were felt by each family member as football games and holiday celebrations were planned.

On the surface good times were ahead. But worry and dread were secretly a part of the thoughts of this typical American family.

The wife and mother knew festive occasions were often excuses for her husband to drink too much. The children knew that in the fall and winter their father let alcohol use become an even more prominent part of his life.

No one spoke openly of the problem, but each felt that the head of this family was a ticking time bomb.

His problem with alcohol affected them all. It caused grave concern, a tragic component in the way the family functioned. Mother and older children had discussed it often, but believed nothing could be done until he “hit bottom.”

In the meantime his morning-after memory losses, angry and at times abusive outbursts and his driving while under the influence of alcohol made them fear that “hitting the bottom” would be a horror story for them all. Fortunately for this dysfunctional family a solution emerged. A new technique in the treatment of chemical dependency brought the “bottom up” for the whole family.

Professionals who treat chemical dependency have made a technique known as intervention available to many families, friends and co-workers of individuals suffering from chemical dependency.

A key element of this technique is to confront the denial of the abuser and those surrounding this individual.

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 – friends, colleagues and possibly the family physician.

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 be 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.

Copyright c 1991 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.