Formal Interventions - Alcohol and Drug Intervention

I am a trained drug and alcohol interventionist with over 25 years of experience. I provide individual counseling and alcohol and drug interventions in Roseville, CA and the areas surrounding Sacramento, CA.

 I believe in a loving and caring approach to intervention.  An intervention begins with a group of individuals concerned enough to come together and ask the drug/alcohol user to get immediate help.

I help the group decide if a drug or alcohol intervention is the best next step.  If not, I will offer alternative options and suggestions on how to best help.  If an intervention is decided upon, I guide the group in the intervention process.  This includes writing a letter that begins with loving statements about the qualities they appreciate as well as examples of they have witnessed substance use negatively affecting the user's life.  I also give recommendations for treatment.  Interventions tend to be very emotionally charge for all the members involved and can get out of hand very easily.  That is why having an interventionist facilitating is so important.  I will help keep everyone  focused on the purpose of the meeting.
The "surprise approach" is often necessary because of the denial that accompanies addiction.  This can be a lifesaving effort that requires swift action.  I will help you determine if this approach best suits your situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is a drug and alcohol intervention where a group of people gang up on someone to force them into getting help?
No.  I believe in a kind and respectful approach to an intervention.  It starts with a group of concerned loved ones who are willing to express what wonderful qualities the person has and also how those qualities have been impacted by their drug/alcohol use.  This is not an "in your face" approach, which I believe is disrespectful.

How many people do we need at the intervention?
It can be two or three people up to about eight.  Usually I don't like to have more than ten people but it depends on the individual case.  The important factor is deciding what would be most effective without being overwhelming. 

Does it have to be a surprise?
The method I use for drug and alcohol interventions is usually a surprise approach because the user is in denial about the extent of their problem and would not likely agree to a planned meeting.  Denial is typically very deep and an intervention is a chance to intervene in their denial so they will accept help.  An intervention can be a good option after other attempts have been made to talk with the user to no avail.  At times it is used when the loved ones are concerned about the safety of the individual or others.

Won't they be angry?
We cannot predict how a person will react.  At times there is anger and at other times there is relief.  Everyone involved in the process has a tendency to become emotional during the intervention because they care so much.  That is one reason it is important to have a trained interventionist facilitating the process.  It keeps the group and the substance user on point so that  emotional responses don't derail the purpose. 

How do I know if an intervention is needed and is best?
The best way to determine that is to schedule an initial appointment with me to discuss what you have tried and if this is the best next step.  If it isn't, I will help you look at other options.  The initial appointment has no obligation and can include the entire team or just a couple of key players to explore the possibility of a drug or alcohol intervention.

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