What Are Intervention Techniques?

Mention the word “Intervention” to anyone you talk to, and they’ll tell you that they have at least a vague idea of what the process entails. You create a group scenario for an addict and his loved ones to interact, in order to have said person to seek treatment. This is thanks to intervention portrayals in TV series and movies, and although not an entirely wrong summation of the basics of the process, it is a dangerously lacking definition.

Interactions in an interventions setup are delicate, and interventions themselves are intricate. There’s no single recipe or standardized protocol you can follow step-by-step in every individual situation.

Every patient behaves and responds to different kinds of things. One patient can be very responsive to a confrontational style interventions process while taking the same approach with another person might cause it to shut down and reject the whole notion entirely.

And that’s why we need to talk about and answer the question “What are intervention techniques?”

Intervention techniques, a caveat:

Capable, trained professionals need to possess a wide array of tools and techniques available to them.

However, tools by themselves are ineffective (and can be outright harmful) when they aren’t paired with the sound and experienced judgment of how to use them effectively.

So, before we talk about the specifics of intervention techniques, I’d like to make something clear:

Information alone is not enough. Going over the concepts, strategies, and examples of the methods competent operators usually employ in intervention settings is very useful to give you insight into the process and how/why it works.

Also Read: Drug and alcohol intervention

But, in real life situations, where you are dealing with complex, powerful emotions, having options about what to do is just half of it. To be able to gauge when and where those tools can be handy, and more importantly when they shouldn’t come into play is as necessary – if not even more so –to get results and get through the patient to foster real change.

Any intervention setup needs to happen under a highly individualized framework, approaching the situation by assessing each particular individual need and adapting the dynamics, goals, and strategies on a case-by-case basis.

What are intervention techniques? – The models:

Know that there are as many models to have an intervention as there are people out there.

What we’ll discuss here are merely the most common ways to classify them, as the initial framework and approach the intervention expert can use to structure the whole activity. Judging which method fits best with the subject’s behavior and needs.

Jonson Model: The most recognized one, and probably the one you refer to when the word “intervention” is mentioned. This model uses surprise and a highly confrontational style of interacting with the patient, having friends and family confront the addict with the help of the Interventionist. The group discusses the patient’s behavior, and the consequences it has had on their loved ones’ lives, in an effort to convince the addict to enroll in treatment by facing him with an ultimatum and consequences should he or she refuse.

Invitational model: In contrast with Jonson’s, the invitational model lacks the element of surprise and shock. In this approach, the family, friends, and the addict schedule a workshop with the interventionist. The patient knows full well of what the meeting will be about and what subject will be discussed, and the option to enroll in treatment is less pushed to the patient.

Field Model: This one works as a mix of the first two. Here, the interventionist is given more leeway. He’s free to make decisions “in the field,” and judge in real time the best approach to take with the patient. This is a highly flexible model that can be adapted to the situation at hand, ideal for cases where the addict is prone to react in a negative or even violent manner.

Systemic Intervention: This model of intervention is ideal when a confrontational approach is not the best option (for example, when dealing with hostile or defensive addicts.) It consists of having the family of the affected discuss how their behavior enables or contributes to the patient’s substance abuse and focuses on changing those to encourage the addict to crease the use and enter therapy.

Motivational Interviewing: Focusing less on strategy and more on counseling through conversation with the addict, this model of intervention’s goal is to encourage the addict to make positive behavioral changes through engaging in conversation. The therapist guides the patient out of a substance dependency by understanding his point of view and offering empathy and new tools to deal with the underlying causes of the addiction.

What are intervention techniques? – The principles:

Now before you leave, I also wanted to mention that these models are just the initial frameworks from which a competent interventionist decides to approach the subject.

More than knowing these things, a competent counselor needs to have mastery in other areas, such as communication and listening skills, that is, to be able to focus, observe, understand, and respond with empathy to the patient and family interactions and conversations.

He also needs to be experienced and confident enough to continually draw accurate assessments on the situation as it evolves, as he seeks information through conversation, actively listening and interpreting what is going on.

Finally, he needs to be prudent and judge when is best to stand back and let the affected sort things out, and when to step up and guide the dynamics – either in a directive or nondirective way – in a collaborative way.

All these are essential pieces for having a successful intervention experience, capable of helping the people involved.

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Intervention For Alcoholics

All interventions are delicate propositions that require a lot of planning, considerations, and study of the particular needs of those involved and the situation as a whole.

However, alcohol addiction does present a few particular considerations and challenges, which anyone who’s going to be involved in one should be made aware of, to be able to overcome them effectively.

Particulars of interventions in the case of Alcoholism:

The first thing you need to keep in mind when staging an intervention for alcoholics is that most people addicted to alcohol see their situation as distinct from that of a person addicted to other types of substances. In many cases, they don’t accept they have a dependency, but even worse than that, they refuse to see alcohol as a drug.

Another thing you’ll most likely notice during the process is that most of it will revolve around overcoming the subject’s established preconceptions and rationalizations. Now, this could be said about most interventions but, many alcoholics like to employ things like material success or economic stability as “evidence” they don’t have a problem. It is not uncommon for an alcoholic to say things like “I’m not an addict, I have a stable job” or “If I’m an addict, how come I have X thousand dollars on my bank account.” You need to be aware and prepared for such arguments even before the meeting happens.

Also Read: Drug and Alcohol Intervention

Lastly, and probably most important, you need to recognize society stance on alcohol.

Since alcohol is legal, readily available, and socially accepted, most alcoholics will try to deride the notion of alcohol dependency. Not even willing to discuss it as a real drug capable of forming a biological addiction and having severe health and societal consequences.

These things make dealing with alcohol addiction in an intervention setting an even more complex situation that it regularly is with patients of other substance dependencies. It also is one of the reasons why having a professional interventionist is so vital in the process.

Having someone trained and equipped to deal with the rationalizations society enable alcoholics to have – as opposed to other dependencies – makes the experience of dealing with a well articulate alcoholic much more likely to end up in them realizing the consequences of their situation and agreeing to seek help.

When is time to do an Intervention for Alcoholics?

Like it happens with any other drug, alcoholics deal with much more than just their substance dependency. Other underlying psychological issues and situations propitiate and foster the initial addiction and continue to do so over time. Life circumstances that cause them to use alcohol as a response.

Even if you were to magically stop an alcoholic from drinking, without tackling the subjacent causes won’t fix the problem in a long-term situation.

When you notice a family member, friend, or co-worker going through stressful life situations and turning to drinking as a way to deal with it, or when you see someone routinely ingesting alcohol in a regular basis, you are most likely in the presence of an alcoholic.

Know that is never too early to try and help them.

An intervention is one of the best tools that can be used to aid someone face their situation and the consequences they have in those around them, which is a necessary step to have someone decide to seek treatment and recover.

Understanding the particular challenges this substance presents is essential to have a successful intervention for alcoholics. Overcoming the way most of society sees alcohol can be tough, so it is necessary to be prepared to deal with these justifications they use to further fuel their dependency.

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What Are Intervention Programs?

When I mention the word “Intervention” what probably comes to your mind (as it does for most people) is a version of what you’ve most likely seen in TV shows or movies. While not outlandishly wrong, these portrayals tend to be inaccurate at best, and outright misleading at the worst end of the spectrum.

They tend to build presumptions and misconceptions about what are intervention programs, how they are actually handled, and most importantly WHY they work.

When someone you love gets caught in a self-destructive pattern, in whatever form it takes (Alcoholism, Drug addiction, Abusive relationships, etc.) a process begins in their minds that makes it seem like this is the rightful status quo of their lives. The way things are supposed to be.

Eventually, the person can’t or won’t even remember how things were before they had such problem, and this only sinks them deeper into that cycle.

Interventions then are one of the most influential tools we’ve developed to assist people trapped in these circles.

However, the moment of the group meeting represents just a part of a whole process that involves several stages and the participation of many of the affected person loved ones. So, in an effort to dispel some of the myths and fallacies surrounding the whole issue, I wanted to talk to you a bit about what are intervention programs, and why they work in a real-world setting.

An interruption in a pattern:

We, humans, are beings of habit. As such, we tend to fall somewhat easily in routines, even when they aren’t necessarily healthy for us. We like the sense of knowing what we’ll do next, it fills us with a sense of security; of comfort.

This is precisely why it is so easy for us to fall into self-degenerating patterns. Yes, there comes a moment when a biological dependency to the substance is formed, but in every case of addiction – whether it is to drugs, gaming, a relationship… – that dependency invariably starts in the person’s head.

It becomes comforting to grab a drink when you are feeling off. Done enough times it becomes a habit, then a dependency. Staying in an abusive relationship once a routine has been formed is easy since not doing so represents the uncertainty of not knowing.

It is in our nature to want to remain within what we know – even when it’s bad for us – instead of finding a better alternative.

What are intervention programs?

Put simply, an intervention happens when an outside force comes in and influences a person engaged in unhealthy patterns and habits to change their direction.

It involves a combination of principles and disciplines, using strategies oriented to help the patient achieve behavior changes to improve their health, while also assisting the core group of involved individuals (family, friends, coworkers) to deal with previous grievances, and participate in the recovery process.

An intervention takes different shapes and can be implemented in an array of setups to serve the patient better, seeking to produce the most effective environment of receptiveness

Why do Interventions work?

People suffering from addiction and behavioral dependencies are more likely to seek help and begin treatment after they undergo an intervention, but several elements come into play when we talk about why.

Also Read: Drug or Alcohol Intervention

Being placed into a definitive environment that the patient to face their actions has a powerful effect on people. Being stripped from excuses and rationalizations while in the presence of those who love them (and most likely have been affected or damaged by their actions) gives the person a unique perspective not readily achieved otherwise.

It makes them face the facts of their situation in an environment of safety and concern for their wellbeing. Which is precisely the other fundamental part of why interventions work.

It presents the patient with a circle of people who genuinely care and empathize with them and their situation. A group that is truly willing to help and become a part of their recovery.

Most people suffering from a dependency are isolationist in some level because they can’t quickly reconcile their actions and the damage they cause themselves (and others).

Intervention shows them they are not alone, and that there are people eager to help them get better.

Interventions are a great beginning

Finally, when people ask me “What are intervention programs?” my favorite, one-line quick answer is: “They are a great way to start healing.”

It is essential to understand that interventions are there to help people face their situation and encourage them to make a genuine commitment to getting better.

A commitment to seek treatment and overcome whatever dependency they are going through.

A commitment to themselves and to their loved ones.

Having such an experience at the outset of such process of recovery the perfect way to start on that path with the right foot.

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What are intervention strategies?

Any intervention setup you find yourself in is bound to be charged with a lot of energy, anxiety, and anticipation. It is a complex, emotional interaction between a multifaceted group of people. You have, of course, the person with the substance dependency. The lynchpin on who’s the whole endeavor is based upon and developed for. You have the addict’s family, friends, co-workers, etc. A group of people who love or care deeply about the addict’s well-being. They want their recovery, and in most cases, have also been deeply affected by the addict’s actions and choices in the past.

And you have your professional interventionists. Qualified, prepared individuals who are there all the way. From planning face to the follow-up stages after the intervention has been had, whose sole purpose is to enact a positive change in the life of those involved.

An intervention is a situation comprised of many moving parts, that deals with such a delicate subject matter. Where emotions are liable to run wild at a moment’s notice. As such, it is essential to be aware of and has at least an understanding of several helpful methods. It also includes tactics that can facilitate the process and drive the whole endeavor to the desired outcome: The patient deciding to seek treatment and getting/staying clean.

At the early stages of planning and preparation for any intervention, as my co-workers and I keep referring to them to orient the participants about what to expect and how to behave, one of the most common questions they ask is “What are intervention strategies?”

Since it is such an important subject, I wanted to put something together talking about the specific tactics and strategies we professional Interventionists (and people involved in intervention to a degree) need to possess to bring about the happy resolution.

Intervention Strategies – The rundown:

Now, there are many desirable attributes and techniques one wants to possess in order to lead or participate in a successful intervention. Trying to encompass such a broad subject would bring more confusion than anything else, so instead I rather touch on three topics that I consider form the cornerstone of any capable professional interventionist, and I’ve divided them into three categories: Strategies for listening, Strategies for Assessing, and Strategies for action.

What are intervention strategies for listening?

Listening means to focus one attention, observation, understanding in what another person is trying to express (verbally or nonverbally), and then responding in a manner that is genuine and empathic, with acceptance and respect.  As I mentioned above, Interventions are very emotionally charged situations. And unless you are genuinely open to listening carefully and sensibly, in a non-judgmental manner, it is fairly easy for the process to lose is focus and go awry.

Also Read: What is a Drug or Alcohol Intervention?

Some common listening strategies used by Interventionists are:

• Using open-ended questions like “What…” or “How…” as exploration tools. These types of questions encourage information sharing and make people more likely to express feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Using close-ended questions to hone in on details.Using “Yes or No” questions can help a facilitator to explore more in-depth a particular subject or issue, and gain a deeper understanding of why they do what they do.
• Restating and clarifying. During an intervention, it is important not to leave room for misinterpretation or misunderstandings. Restating what someone said can be used to ensure this or to keep the focus of the conversation on a particular topic.
• Using “I” statements and owning feelings being expressed. Employing “I” statements (e.g., “I am going to explain the reason why we are here…) can be a powerful tool to support clear an effective communication with the addict and the people involved in the program.

What are intervention strategies for Assessing?

Assessing involves practices to intentionally seek information and explore what is actively being listened to. Interpreting what the participants are sharing and engaging when it becomes appropriate. And also to gauge the emotional and psychological state of those involved. Assessing the conversation constantly gives powerful insights into emotional mobility/immobility, options, coping mechanisms, and support systems.

Some common assessing strategies used by Interventionists are:

• Having a grasp of the room’s emotional state. Knowing when a conversation is steering into potentially negative feelings is critical to conduct a successful intervention. Keeping a finger on the pulse of the emotions of those involved is necessary to detect emotional distress. This helps to avoid having the addict withdrawn or reticent to what’s been said.
• Observation of behavior. Just observing a person behavior can supply the interventionist with invaluable information about how the addict and those around him are responding to the situation. Having a person rapidly pacing around or sitting immobile convey two very different mental processes.
• Judging of cognitive state. Sometimes, what people are saying and the way they are saying it can reveal a great deal of how they are handling the process. Interventionists are trained to pick up and consider when verbal communication is being coherent and logical when everything is making sense.

What are intervention strategies for action?

Taking action during an Intervention involves intentionally responding to the group’s interaction, the conversation, and the situation as a whole. This can be achieved in three main ways, nondirective, collaborative, and directive. Clear judgment and restraint have to be exercised, since how much and how effective these approaches are. They will vary significantly from intervention to intervention.

Some common action strategies used by Interventionists are:

• Nondirective Counseling happens when the addict and his circle are able to plan and implement concrete plans and actions to facilitate them seeking treatment. In these instances, the interventionist takes more of an assisting role, commenting and supporting what is being done and said.
• Collaborative Counseling involves working together with the group as they evaluate the problem. They also help in identifying the options for recovery and taking the actions necessary to achieve it. This is the most common role seen taken by a professional interventionist.
• Directive counseling is rarer in interventions. It is only used when the addict displays a detachment or immobilization to the whole situation. Using directive counseling an interventionist can take temporary control and responsibility for the situation. This will help to drive the patient and the group to a more receptive state. Most likely alternating between the directive and collaborative approaches.

As I mentioned at the beginning, these are but a few of the many strategic approaches interventionist use.  These are also very essential that anyone participating in one has a clear understanding of them for the process to go more smoothly.

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