Addiction is an illness that few people think about until a friend or loved one is affected by it. Most people are ill-equipped to help someone recover from addiction. They search for information on the internet or reach out to support groups for guidance. It’s important to have someone with experience and expertise by your side to teach you how to help your friend or family member.
Interventionists are a unique kind of mental health professional. They can help you identify support systems in a person’s life, teach you how to safely confront someone suffering from addiction and help that person consider treatment options.
- Support friends and family members considering an intervention
- Teach safe and effective intervention techniques
- Provide guidance before and after an intervention
- Facilitate the intervention
- Provide aftercare support
An interventionist will ensure the intervention is conducted in a safe environment in a proper manner and with friends and family members who are prepared. The goal of the intervention is to get the person suffering from addiction to recognize their self-destructive behavior and weigh treatment options.
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Interventionists specialize in different approaches which vary depending on the type of addiction a person is suffering from.
Interventionists will consider a variety of factors when determining the best way to approach an individual. They will ask about a person’s demeanor, emotional stability, family life, stressors and their relationships with the people participating.
It’s important that family members and friends are honest with the interventionist so everyone can work together to facilitate the recovery of the person suffering from addiction.
Why You Need an Interventionist
Conducting an intervention can be intimidating. Many people who participate in an intervention do so only once in their life. Without training or guidance, they have no idea what to expect or how to handle a person’s reactions.
Interventionists help people for a living. They work with friends, families and individuals suffering from addiction regularly. They know the safest and most effective ways to conduct and intervention.
Interventionists can also help you identify addiction. If you’re unsure if someone is abusing drugs or suffering from addiction or an eating disorder, an interventionist can alert you to warning signs.
Even if you recognize someone is suffering from addiction, friends and family members don’t always agree that there is a problem or believe treatment works. Interventionists help all members involved understand addiction and take part in the recovery process.
Featured Interventionists
It can be difficult to find a professional you trust. The team at DrugRehab.com and Advanced Recovery Systems wants your experience to be as safe and effective as possible. We recommend the following interventionists who have a proven history of success.
What To Look for in an Interventionist
Interventionists differ in specialties and experience. They may have different educational degrees or certifications and practice different methods. However, there are common characteristics that separate the good ones from the ones you should avoid.
Reputable interventionists are called Certified Intervention Professionals. They’re certified by one of the two nationally recognized certification boards — the Illinois Certification Board or the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
The requirements to become an interventionist vary from state to state, but most states require a four-year degree. Most interventionists possess a degree in a psychology-related field such as social work, and some possess master’s degrees or other specialized degrees. Most interventionists also carry educational or professional certifications in addiction or mental health counseling.
Interventionists should encourage calm, structured approaches. If they lack the educational requirements, don’t possess a reputable certification and use dramatic techniques, you might want to look for someone else.
- Shaming
- Anger
- Threats
- Violence
- Blame
Questions to Ask
You don’t have to agree to work with the first interventionist you talk to. You should research their credentials and make sure they use approaches that you’re comfortable with. You should ask the following questions to help you determine if an interventionist is right you.
What is your experience working with people suffering from addiction?
Interventionists should be able to provide a detailed history of their experience.
What degrees and certifications do you possess?
Interventionists should possess some type of educational degree and some type of recognized certification.
What approaches do you use?
Interventionists should use evidence-based methods and approaches that are appropriate for each individual.
Do you have experience working with someone with a co-occurring mental health disorder?
The majority of people who suffer from addiction also suffer from another co-occurring disorder. Interventionists should be capable of addressing each person’s unique needs.
Do you provide counseling after the intervention?
Many interventionists provide counseling for the individual suffering from addiction or others who participated in the intervention. If they don’t provide counseling, they should be able to refer you to a reputable counselor.
What treatment options and aftercare services do you recommend?
Interventionists should have a list of treatment facilities and aftercare support services for the individual when they decide to seek help.
Will you conduct a second intervention if the first one fails?
Interventions aren’t always successful. You should be aware of an interventionist’s willingness to participate in follow-up interventions.
What is your success rate?
The best interventionists are able to help individuals seek substance abuse treatment at a high rate of success.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Author
Chris Elkins worked as a journalist for three years and was published by multiple newspapers and online publications. Since 2015, he’s written about health-related topics, interviewed addiction experts and authored stories of recovery. Chris has a master’s degree in strategic communication and a graduate certificate in health communication.
@ChrisTheCritic9
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