I find it interesting when I’m facilitating an intervention and the addict takes the position that there really isn’t a problem where his drug use is concerned. The denial issue comes up frequently. Nevertheless, it always amazes me when despite the mounds of testimony from friends and relatives clearly establishing not only the compulsive use of drugs, but also the laundry list of negative consequences resulting from the use (always offered in a non judgmental way), the addict still seems shocked at the possibility that addiction exists.

This happened on a recent case. The addict was using alcohol on a daily basis, racked up a few DUI’s, lost jobs, etc. Every part of her life had been adversely affected by her alcohol use and her physical condition was deteriorating. Her family had confronted her on many occasions over the last year but was unable to engage with her meaningfully. Finally, they decided an intervention was in order.

After considerable work performed during the pre intervention meeting, the family was ready to proceed with the intervention. When the addict arrived at her intervention, she was cordial yet shocked at the gathering of friends and family. After the first person in the group expressed his concerns, and the fact that a solution to her problem (treatment) was being offered, the addict was absolutely astonished. She had no idea that her alcohol use was as severe as was depicted by her father in the first expression from the group. She kept repeating “really?” and “are you kidding?”.

The intervention continued with similar responses from her following the testimony from friends and family. She was never belligerant when responding. I truly believe she was either in extreme denial or genuinely did not believe there was a problem with her alcohol use.

The remarkable part of this intervention was the way the family handled her disbelief of addiction. Throughout the entire process they maintained their composure and never once became critical, angry or judgmental. The addict was able to receive the message in her heart rather than intellectualize it in her head. She was able to listen to how she was slowly killing herself and breaking the hearts of those who loved her the most. The compassionate delivery of messages from the family keep her deep seated defense mechanisms from rising to the surface.

The important lesson learned by the family was that the addict really was not aware of how her behavior was affecting not only her personal life, but also her friends and family. The messages delivered by the team during the intervention were done with respect, compassion, and, as a result, were able to be heard by the addict resulting in a decision to admit at the treatment center.

For more information about interventions visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 866 534 4443.