Open Intervention

An Open Intervention is transparent.  No ambush, no conspiracy, no secrets. This kind of intervention is non-punitive and is designed to support and inspire the individual’s recovery.

The person the intervention is for is invited to participate.

They are informed beforehand that their family and friends are meeting to share their love and concern for them as well as create new boundaries, new ways of interacting with them based upon mutual respect, compassion, honesty and love for all concerned.     

My experience with those that have had interventions sprung upon them feel ambushed, attacked and become defensive and resentful.

It’s becomes very difficult for them to be open to hear from their family and friends about their behavior and how it affects them, or be willing to listen to any suggestions of what help and support is being offered to start their recovery.

More often than not those that are invited to their own intervention show up ready to listen and talk about their problem. Also because they want to find out what is going to change, what is going to be different about their relationship with family and friends?

Prior to the intervention event I like to meet with the family and friends to develop a deeper understanding of the individual, the dynamic involved, explain the process of the intervention, discuss logistics, explore treatment options and aftercare to further support their successful recovery.    

Occasionally they do not show up even though accommodations have been made for them to participate in any event the intervention continues without them. Being in relationship with someone in addiction can be very difficult, stressful and emotionally draining.

We as a group explore and create new agreements of interaction for the well-being and support of the person of concern but just as importantly the physical and emotional well-being of the family and friends assembled.