Simon Pure

A Little About Intervention

What exactly is an intervention? This is a commonly asked question. Oftentimes when we think of the word intervention we think of drug and alcohol addiction, but interventions can be used for almost any addiction, such as gambling, sex, shopping, food, etc. In some cases the addiction can be life threatening, in other cases the addiction is simply an extremely destructive lifestyle. Intervention is defined as an action undertaken in order to change what is happening or might happen in another’s affairs, especially in order to prevent something undesirable. In other words, an intervention is an action taken by family members, friends, employers, etc, in order to help someone change their behavior as it is either life threatening or destructive.

The Intervention Process

Interventions are used on individuals who are having trouble recognizing their addiction, or who simply refuse to get help. In many cases, the individual is in denial and thinks that they could stop if they wanted to, they just don’t want to. However that is not usually the case. Many addicts have been asked by their friends and family to stop, but this type of support is not usually effective. Asking an addict to stop doing what they are doing might seem like a good idea and a supportive way of helping a friend or family member but really it is only providing them with an unhealthy support system. You must recognize that at one point or another, professional help is necessary.

Drug And Alcohol Intervention

When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, which are more life threatening addictions, drug and alcohol intervention is highly recommended. The intervention process brings together an entire support system of family and friends and enables the individual with the addiction to recognize that they are hurting themselves and their family. A very important part of the intervention process is making sure that the individual feels empowered as opposed to humiliated. Humiliation and shame are not beneficial feelings, but if they feel empowered, and they feel that they have a strong support system behind them, then they will be able to take the first step towards recovery.