What is Intervention?

Intervention is an attempt to compel a subject to "get help" for an addiction or other problem.  Today, more than ever, people are faced with the challenge of confronting addiction and alcohol abuse within themselves or those they care about. Recently, as depicted in the media, the use of intervention as an effective means of addressing the issue of addiction has become commonplace.

Do I need to wait for my loved one to reach out for help before I can do anything?

The DO’s and DON’TS for Family and Friends of the Chemically Dependent Person:

DON’T threaten, scream, or correct.

DON’T confront when person is under the influence.

DON’T accept getting drunk or high as normal.

DON’T blame or make excuses for the person abusing alcohol or drugs.

DON’T patronize or condone their abnormal behavior.

DON’T give up the ship and accept them as a loser.

DO talk with them only after the effects of intoxication have worn off.

DO express your concern, love, and willingness to help.

DO allow them to experience the consequences of their behavior even though these consequences may be painful and/or embarrassing.

DO use community resources to become knowledgeable about alcoholism and chemical dependency.

DO become involved with Alanon/Naranon groups in your community.

DO seek help from professionals specifically trained in chemical dependency and codependency.

WEB RESOURCES

Alanon/Alateen:  http://www.ncwsa.org/scvafg/

NarAnon Family Groups:  http://www.sjna.org

LITERATURE:

Learning to Live Again, A Guide for Recovery from Chemical Dependency by Merlen Miller, Terrence T. Gorski, and David K. Miller

Under the Influence by Dr. Milam

Beyond the Influency  by Ketchum

The Language of Letting Go by Beattie

Codependent No More by Beattie

Beyond Codependency by Beattie

RECOVERY RETAIL STORE:

All About Recovery

2477 Forest Avenue (behind Valley Fair Shopping Center)

San Jose, CA 95128

(408) 248-7837

http://www.ay12steps.com/

DO YOU NEED NAR-ANON?

(A questionnaire for parents, spouses, relatives, and all loved ones)

Please ask yourself the following questions and answer them as honestly as possible:

1. Do you find yourself making excuses, lying, or covering up for your loved one? 

2. Do you have reason not to trust your loved one (child, spouse, relative, or friend)?

3. Is it becoming difficult for you to believe his/her explanations?

4. Do you lie awake worrying about your loved one?

5. Is your child missing school without your knowledge?

6. Is your spouse missing work and are the bills piling up?

7. Are your savings mysteriously disappearing?

8. Are the unanswered questions causing hostility and undermining your marriage?

9. Are you asking yourself “what’s wrong?” and “is it my fault?”

10. Are your suspicions turning you into a detective and are you afraid of what you might find?

11. Are normal family disagreements becoming hostile and violent?

12. Are you canceling your social functions with vague excuses?

13. Are you becoming increasingly reluctant to invite friends to your home?

14. Is concern for your spouse, child or friend causing you headaches, a knotty stomach and extreme anxiety?

15. Is your loved one easily irritated by minute matters? Does your life seem like a nightmare?

16. Are you unable to discuss the situation with friends or relatives because of embarassment?

17. Are your attempts at control frustrating?

18. Do you over-compensate and try not to make waves?

19. Do you keep trying to make things better and nothing helps?

20. Are the life styles and friends of your loved one changing? Does the thought of them using drugs enter your mind?

If you answered YES to four or more of these questions, Nar-Anon may be able to give you the answers you are looking for. The number of “Yes” responses is not as important as your own intuition and self-knowledge. Nar-Anon is available to help. You may contact them on the web at:  http://nar-anon.org/index.html  or at (800) 477-6291.