Who should participate in an intervention?
Geographical constraints may limit who participates, but those unable to attend may choose to make a contribution to the process through a letter.
People may need to be educated about the process, and loved ones hurt by the actions of the addict may be feeling anger, frustration and sadness; and be reluctant to attend. Normally, when the process is explained to them, their concern and love for the addict compels them to participate in the process.
Many people feel compelled to "spare" children and the elderly from the process, but they are also hurt by the addict's destructive behavior, and need to be a part of the healing process. Children especially can offer powerful testimonials that are very difficult to ignore. An intervention works best when the addict is forced to concede that their behaviors are hurting everyone they love.
