Barbara Jenkin, M.A. - Intervention

Intervention

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INTERVENTIONS vary depending on when they occur; in the USE, ABUSE, or ADDICTION stage of a compulsive activity.

STAGE 1: USE

Social Drinking (Know when to say "no")

-0- Do not use at all if "at risk" for disease of alcoholism.
-1- Only drink 1 oz. of liquor, 4 oz. of wine or 12 oz. of beer per hour when socializing.
-2- Drink no more than 2 drinks per day.
-3- Drink no more than 4 days per week.

Educate self about the power of alcohol and other drup, as well as the disease of addiction.

STAGE 2: ABUSE

Intoxication with its negative consequences. (How to make a good decision regarding future use)

1. Educate self regarding alcoholism, drug of choice.
2. Ask for support from fan?ffly regarding your new behaviors.
3. Attend open meetings of individuals addressing similar compulsive behavior, such as:

Alcoholics Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

Cocaine Anonymous

Co-dependency Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous

Sex & Love Addiction Anonymous

4. Organize balance in life so that physical, mental, and spititual needs are met.
5. Seek therapy if unable to succeed on your own.

STAGE 3: ADDICTION

Intoxication causing life problems but drinkin patterns continue. (How to assist the person who is unable to "use" only and cannot stop the abusive patterns.)

1 - Learn about addictive behavior.
2 - Ask for professional guidance from Doctor, Addiction Professional Minister, Counselor, etc.
3 - Gather significant persons in addict's life.

Compare feelings regarding known behavior of addict.

Set up time when addict agrees to listen to caring family and friends regarding above behaviors.

Present information (reality) in a caring way.

Have options for treatment available.

Set limits if addict refuses help.

INTERVENTION is "the changing of a pattern." It can be accomplished "on self" through education and support. It can be accomplished "by others" through education, caring and boundary setting.

INTERVENTION can be a process as above, or it can be the "meeting" held to convince someone that their addictive behavior must stop in order to preserve relationships.