What are the goals of an intervention?

The ultimate goal of an intervention is to break the addict's wall of denial, and have them come to terms with the consequences of their use; and the consequences that await them if they don’t get help. The hope of every intervention is that the addicted person will get the help and treatment that has been arranged for them…and most of the time they will.

It is very difficult for a drug or alcohol abuser to ignore the heartfelt testimonials of their parents, their children, their spouses and friends. When confronted in a respectful and loving manner, most addicts begin to accept that they need help, and accept that they need help right now.

An intervention also helps to heal a family scarred by addiction. The pain of drug and alcohol abuse migrates through a family, and there can be a lot of denial, recriminations and even rage; both directed at the addict as well as at other family members. By speaking openly and candidly about pain, worry and the negative emotions caused by the addict, a family can unite in concern for the addict, and also begin to heal any family rifts created by the addict's behavior. Whatever the outcome of the intervention, the process of the intervention empowers a family, and they will never again be so negatively affected by the addict's behavior.

After a successful intervention, an addict can no longer deny the extent of the problem or the effect that their drug or alcohol abuse has on the people they love. This alone is very powerful, and is usually provides enough motivation for an addict to accept the needed treatment. An intervention also clearly spells out the consequences that will occur should the abuse continue; and if an acceptance of their problem doesn’t convince them to seek treatment, the thought of losing a husband or wife, access to children or losing a career often can.