Preparing for an Intervention

An alcoholism intervention should be performed as soon as possible in order to help an addict recover from his disease. Friends and family should never wait until the addict reaches rock bottom. By then, it may be too late. The devastating effects of addiction, such as financial ruin, loss of family and even imprisonment may have already taken hold of the addict`s life. The sooner the alcoholism intervention occurs, the more pain and suffering can be avoided.

An intervention is one way family and friends can convince the person they love to seek the help he so desperately needs. In order to successfully facilitate an alcoholism intervention, the family and friends need to first learn how to communicate in a language the addict can understand. This language includes being completely honest with the person suffering from an addiction. Speaking openly and honestly with the person about the effects his addiction is having on those around him is often the eye-opener the person needs in order to see clearly enough to accept help.

Structure of the Intervention
There is no magic number of people needed to orchestrate a successful intervention. In addition to an intervention specialist, there can be as few as one additional person or as many as six to eight. What is critical is that each of the participants be someone the addict either loves or respects. Potential members of the alcoholism intervention team are family and friends, as well as teachers, clergy, lawyers, and doctors. Anyone that might have an impact on the addict`s thinking and emotions should be included in the intervention.

There are several key elements to a successful intervention:

1. Provide a sufficient opportunity for all family members and loved ones to voice their concern over the addicts behavior in a passionate and loving manner

2. Provide information/education on the nature of addiction

3. Discuss the enabling behavior that has occurred during the progression of the disease

4. Direct the addict, and perhaps family members, to treatment.

If an intervention is successfully performed, the addict will seek the help he needs on the very same day. To accomplish this, however, each member of the team must be willing to work together toward a common goal and to be properly educated in the execution of the alcoholism intervention.

Finding Help for an Intervention

Some families and loved ones choose to execute an intervention without the guidance of a professional. In most cases, however, it is best to involve the expertise of a seasoned intervention specialist or a drug rehab center in the development of an intervention plan.

The professional intervention specialist or rehab center can help the team learn how to reach a common goal and how to use language the addict will understand, while helping to prevent the situation from escalating out of control.

Often, those who are performing the alcoholism intervention worry that the addict will walk out in the middle of the intervention. This rarely occurs. Nonetheless, it is best to have a contingency plan in case this does occur. Generally, the best course of action is to have one or two of the members of the intervention team follow the addict in order to gently persuade him to return to the intervention.

Finding a Rehab

The ultimate goal of an intervention is to persuade the addict to get the help he needs with his addiction. Therefore, it is best to already have a rehab center chosen and ready to admit him.

Even if a staff member from the rehab center does not participate in the actual intervention, the center should be aware of the team`s intentions. The worse case scenario, aside from the addict refusing help altogether, is to have no place for the addict to go for help upon successful completion of an intervention.

When selecting a drug treatment center for the addict, it is important to consider what type of center is best suited to the addict`s needs. The types of programs offered, the location of the rehab center, and the approach used by the center can all have an impact on the overall success. The rehab center will need as much detail as possible regarding the addict including drug, family, medical and psychological histories. Work closely with the staff before the intervention to ensure the center is the best choice for all involved.

For more information on alcoholism intervention visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com.

What concerns me is the press’ attention to any drama surrounding a drug intervention or alcohol intervention, the elegant location of the treatment facility, price, amenities, and past celebrity clientele instead of the treatment itself.

Yes, thirty days treatment at some of the high-end facilities will cost more than most people earn in a year. Yes, the bedsheet thread count typically exceeds 200 and you won’t find bologna sandwiches being offered for lunch.

But what about treatment itself? What is left out of the stories is any reference to the rigorous treatment schedule offered to each patient in an effort to rehabilitate the mind, body and spirit. The reports generally fail to include any information concerning the competency level of the treatment staff. The focus of attention seems to be on whether or not the celebrity enjoys an ocean view while treating.

Having personal experience from treating at a high end facility, and through my experience as an interventionist with many contacts at high end facilities, I can report that most of these facilities have brought together some of the most highly trained and experienced physicians, therapists, and counselors in the nation to insure that each patient is offered the best available treatment to restore the patients back to sanity and to help them beat the disease into remission.

The bottom line. The high-end facilities are typically very comfortable places to do some very uncomfortable work. Whether a person pays over 30 thousand a month for treatment or is relegated to county funded free treatment, the important thing to remember is the similarities of the disease. Cunning, baffling, powerful and deadly. Addiction does not discriminate. Who you are, where you live and what you drive makes no difference when it comes to this disease. We are all in the same boat. The same deadly principles of addiction are in effect and are treated accordingly.

For more information regarding alcohol interventions, visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 310 392 1201.

There is an option and that is to organize an alcohol intervention. An alcohol intervention occurs when a group of family members and friends get together and lovingly confront the alcoholic and present a solution in the form of treatment. While you are planning for the alcohol intervention there are some preventative strategies you, the family and friends should employ pending the alcohol intervention.

Don`t protect the drinker from the naturally occurring consequences of drinking. If they embarrass themselves don`t make excuses, or if they fall don`t pick them up. Only intervene if there is a danger of the drinker being injured. For most people this kind of `tough love` is a difficult thing to do. However, protecting the drinker means that they never suffer the consequences and so are never aware of the severity of their drinking. Alcoholics need to feel the consequence of their drinking. Protecting the drinker only postpones them feeling the reality of their addiction.

If the alcoholic takes time off work through being too drunk or too hung-over, don`t phone the boss and give an excuse. The problem drinker is only too happy for someone else to accept responsibility. Let the alcoholic accept responsibility for their own behavior if they are to change.

Don`t allow yourself to finance the drinker’s addiction. If they spend all their money on drink don`t lend them money or pay their debts. Again this is protecting and delays recognition of the extent of the problem.

Don`t join in and drink along with the drinker. It may seem a natural thing to do - “if you can`t beat them join them” but this just makes the drinking behavior appear to be normal, which of course it`s not. Besides, if you try and keep up you could end up needing help yourself, and one drunk is more than enough for any household.

Don`t scream and shout and nag about the drinking behavior. This just provides an excuse to drink even more. The “logic” that is used here is “I drink because you nag” rather than “You nag because I drink”. Yea, I know that is not logical but hey this is not about logic, it’s about drinking.

Don`t make threats and give ultimatums unless you are actually prepared to carry them out. Otherwise these threats and ultimatums will lose any power to influence the drinker. In fact, they may even provide an excuse for drinking, especially if there is a pattern of drinking to avoid stress and painful circumstances. Therefore you could be left feeling even more frustrated than before.

Don`t cry, sulk, and withdraw to punish the drinker. The drinker can again view his as behavior best avoided by getting drunk, perhaps with the immortal words “No wonder I drink, look at you!”.

Don`t try and have a meaningful conversation about the drinkers addiction when the drinker is intoxicated. It is easy to get lured into a conversation - don`t. When intoxicated the alcoholic is incapable of carrying on a rational conversation. Wait till the morning or when they are sober.

For more information on alcohol interventions, visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 310 392 1201.

While the list of questions may include topics ranging from food options to cell phone rights, two questions should always be asked: Do they treat dual diagnosis patients and is there a family program.

A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual is affected by both chemical dependency and an emotional or psychiatric illness. Both illnesses may affect an individual physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Each illness has symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively and relate to themselves and others. Not only is the individual affected by two separate illnesses, both illnesses interact with one another. At times the symptoms can overlap and even mask each other making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. If a patient has a dual diagnosis, it is extremely important to address both issues while in treatment. Treating one to the exclusion of the other may render treatment attemps as ineffective.

The ability of the treatment center to treat the family is another important consideration. Chemical dependency is a family illness and all members of the addicted person’s family are affected. Every family member faces their own issues as they relate to the patient’s dysfunction and process. Learning how to distinguish between codependency and the appropriate display of love and support is an important issue for the family in recovery. By incorporating the family support system in treatment, patients, and family members, are better able to integrate and maintain the important changes learned in treatment once they return to the home environment.

If you would like more information regarding drug interventions or alcohol interventions, please call 310 392 1201 or visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com.

So the answer to when an alcohol intervention should be scheduled is as soon as possible. Why would you want a friend or family member to continue suffering with their disease when you have a chance to do something about it? Why would you subject them to the possibility of DUI or possesion convictions, loss of job, continued health deterioration and the myriad of other alcohol and drug related problems when there is a viable solution in the form of an alcohol intervention?

But what about letting the addict “hit their bottom?” Doesn’t an addict have to want to get help on their own? NO! Addicts rarely pull themselves out of the rut of addiction and get help. They may try and certainly makes promises to anyone within earshot, but they are doomed to fail. Addiction is just that powerful. And while it is true that a DUI or liver faiure does get the addict’s attention that perhaps treatment is necessary, these calamities don’t always work. There have been countless alcoholics have have drunk themselves to death despite repeated warnings from their physician thatthey stop drinking. And, again, why would you place faith on a “bottom” when there is a better, and less catastrophic solution?

One myth about alcohol interventions or drug interventions is that it is confrontational to the addict and forces the friends and family to do something that is “sneaky.” I disagree. A drug intervention or alcohol intervention is the most loving, caring and supportive event a family can do for a loved one suffering from addiction. Putting it a different way, if the family doesn’t care about the addict then they’ll do nothing and see how the addiction plays out. Unfortunately, the results can be death, jail, or insanity for the addict.

If you are thinking about a drug intervention or alcohol intervention for a friend or family member, consult an intervention specialist. An intervention specialist will be able to provide valuable information regarding assessment of the addict, treatment options, planning and organizing the event. As an intervention specialist, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the process of a drug intervention or alcohol intervention. Visit my website at www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call me at 866 534 4443.

I was fortunate to be the sole intervention specialist for all eight episodes. I had a bit of trepidation as I began taping the show. I take my job very seriously and did not want to be part of a program that depicted addiction and drug intervention in any other way than what it is: a life and death struggle.

One of my primary objectives in organizing a drug intervention is the formation of an intervention team. These are the family and friends who lovingly confront the addict, attempt to penetrate the long-standing denial of the addict, and offer the solution of drug treatment. A strong drug intervention team oftentimes determines the likelihood of the addict accepting treatment.

Of the eight episodes we taped, seven of the eight musicians accepted the gift of treatment. I believe the success of those seven was based on the fact that we had a strong drug intervention team for each of the band members. The musician who rejected drug treatment had a team of only two members.

Does this mean that a drug intervention can not be performed with a small team? No. I have in fact successfully facilitated drug interventions where there has been only one other person presen. However, the chances of successfully performing a drug intervention are greatly enhanced by the presence of anywhere from six to twelve quality team members.

Working as the sole intervention specialist on the show confirmed the importance of a strong intervention team. If you are thinking of organizing an intervention, a quality intervention team should be on the top of your “things to do” list. If you would like more information on the criteria necessaary for the formation of a drug intervention team, visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 866 534 4443.

There are a wide variety of components that may be included in the discharge plan. The plan might include a step down from inpatient to intensive outpatient or outpatient treatment. The patient might transition directly to a sober living environment. There might be a recommendation to begin sessions with an outside therapist. In any event, the goal is to continue with as much treatment and recovery-related activities following the discharge from inpatient care.

Treatment centers that employ a 12 step philosophy may include a suggestion to regularly attend AA meetings and obtain a sponsor. AA offers an excellent opportunity to engage in fellowship and support during the recovery process and is a well respected adjunct to aftercare.

Most treatment centers will encourage the family to participate in their own recovery. Family participation in the program helps heal the long-standing suffering typically endured by the family and helps set up healthy boundaries and guidelines in the event of a relapse.

The treatment team at the rehab center may also make suggestions regarding creating a healthy home environment (cleaning out the house of drugs/alcohol), evaluating the patient’s work environment, screening friends and other suggestions designed to foster healthy living and long-term sobriety.

The above referenced is but a few of the possibilities included in a discharge plan typically prepared for the newly discharged patient from an inpatient facility. The important concept is to understand that recovery doesn’t end after the patient walks out the front door of the rehab facility. It is a life-long process.

For information on interventions, visit www.stevenlodgeinterventions.com or call 866 534 4443.

On October 7, 2008, Fuse TV will premier a new show entitled Rock Bottom. The show chronicles the struggles of rising bands as they manage not only the daily challenges of the rock and roll music industry, but also the devastation of an addicted band member. The cutting-edge program features host intervention specialist Steven Lodge. “It has been extremely gratifying working with a show that not only brings to light the epidemic of addiction, but also provides a solution to the problem, an intervention and top-notch treatment for individuals suffering from this terrible disease.”

Commenting on the challenges unique to the music industry Lodge adds, “The darkness of addiction creates many challenges during the “typical” intervention process. When the stereotypical rock musician image of sex, drugs, and rock and roll is infused in the process, the intervention challenge is taken to a new level.” Check out the Fuse TV website for more information regarding the show and future air dates.

It has been an absolute pleasure working with the network and production company. The experience has been professional from the moment I first got involved and remained so until we completed our last episode. I am absolutely thrilled that this series will bring to light the fact that an intervention is a viable solution for friends and family members struggling to get their addicted loved one into treatment.

Of course not. There is no cure for addiction. There is, however, a way to arrest the disease and keep it in remission. And what is required to accomplish this is a life-long commitment to the recovery process.

For the addict the process begins after the discharge papers from the treatment center have been completed. Most, if not all, treatment centers will have a discharge plan for continued care. The discharge plan may include a transition to a sober living facility to ease the transfer from inpatient care into the real world again.

There might be a step down from inpatient to outpatient treatment. The facility might make recommendations to begin, or continue, attendance at local AA meetings. In that regard an AA sponsor might be suggested to help the addict through the Twelve Steps.

If the family has sufficient funds, there might be a request to treat with a therapist specializing in addiction.

On the family front, the treatment center might recommend Alanon to explore enabling or co-dependency issues. Addiction is a family disease and the family must be treated along with the addict. A private therapist might be suggested to deal with the long-standing trauma a family experiences while watching a family member suffer through their disease, as well as creating healthy boundaries should a relapse occur.

What is important to understand is that recovery, for both the addict and the family, is an ongoing process. There is no such thing as a cure. It is a commitment for life.

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

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.