Top 4 Types of Interventions

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Every addiction story is different. And because this is true, there are different types of interventions designed to help different types of families and individuals. What works best for someone like Betsy may not work for another.

Keep in mind that these are basic descriptions, and the best type of intervention is one that is carried out with love and attention to the details and interests of your loved one. An experienced counselor or interventionist can help you make the best plan for you and your family.

Four Popular Types of Interventions

1. Simple intervention

Rather than staging a huge gathering of people to confront your loved one, sometimes a single family member facing the addicted person, asking them to stop using drugs and begin a comprehensive addiction treatment program, is all it takes to bring about change. With or without a professional interventionist present to assist, this one-on-one intervention can be very effective.

2. Classical intervention

A classical intervention begins with a planning session that includes everyone except the addicted person. This type of intervention often includes counsel and education for all family members and participants, and is often classified as a Johnson Model intervention. In this type of intervention, family members are able to discuss their part before the official intervention begins. A counselor or interventionist can help prepare every participant in how to handle all potential outcomes to the intervention. This type of intervention often offers support to both the addicted person and the family members of that person.

3. Family system intervention

This type of intervention is based on “family systems” theory and treatment. When multiple people in a family struggle with an addiction, co-dependence or conflict, this approach can help treat both the addiction and the family bonds. Family members often continue beyond the initial intervention, and all family members are encouraged to participate in family counseling and coaching. The addicted person benefits from a changed family experience and greater motivation to recover once everyone gets needed support.

4. Crisis intervention

Sometimes a crisis occurs in an addicted person’s life that makes it clear to them and everyone else that rehab is necessary. Rather than planning out an intervention, situations in which the addicted person has become a danger to himself or those around him can turn into impromptu interventions. The immediate objective will be to stabilize the situation and optimize safety. Often, a little tough love is needed in these situations in order to save a life. Rehabilitation can quickly follow.

Four Official Models Interventionists Use

There are many natural forms of interventions. These four methods are common ways interventionists, families, and friends can use depending on the severity of the situation and how receptive we expect the addicted individual to be.

Read more about these four models:


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Plan a Path to a Better Future

Sometimes the characteristics of one type of intervention overlap with another. As long as the message of recovery is clear, there is no wrong type of intervention. Helping your loved one recognize the need for rehab treatment and healthier change is the primary goal of any intervention. As long as that goal is met, the intervention is successful.

If you would like more information about staging an intervention for your addicted family member, contact us today with your questions at 844-567-9906.

“My family had an intervention for me,” Betsy M. writes at HeroesInRecovery.com. “Thank God they did! At the time of that intervention I certainly did not want to go to rehab but I had nowhere else to go. I was no longer welcome at my mother-in-law’s home.

Three days later I went to rehab to begin a 30-day stay… Each and every one of us who suffers from the disease of addiction deserves one chance or a million chances to get sober. No matter what we have done in our past there is always a new day around the corner!”

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