Intervention

[Nebulous]

An intervention is an orchestrated attempt by one, or often many, people (usually family and friends) to get someone to seek professional help with an addiction or some kind of traumatic event or crisis, or other serious problem. The term intervention is most often used when the traumatic event involves addiction to drugs or other items. Intervention can also refer to the act of using a technique within a therapy session.



Interventions have been used to address serious personal problems, including, but not limited to, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, drug abuse, compulsive eating and other eating disorders, self-mutilation, tobacco smoking, workaholism, and various types of poor personal health care. Interventions have also been conducted due to personal habits not as frequently considered seriously harmful, such as video game addiction, excessive computer use and excessive television viewing.

Do interventions work? Is there other ways to help people get over an addiction?

Do you agree with people doing interventions or think they are unnecessary?

 

[Temerit]

I've watched probably 15 episodes of the show Intervention that's on A&E in my sociology class. I think they can work. Interventions are necessary. Drug addicts are detrimental to society, their families, and everything they touch.

 

[Nebulous]

I'd say sticking someone in a detox clinic / rehab / even jail is better for them. As they dont have any way to get the drugs.. After being away from them for a while it will be easier to stay away



A bunch of friends and family telling you that you are doing wrong wont help. Its not like they are going to say OMG, other people told me to stop so I'd better do it! If anything they will just be rebellious and want to do it more.



I suppose it could work for some people but it would be better to send them off to rehab then have an intervention after they are clean so they clearly comprehend what their loved ones have to say.



Also the addict has to want to be become clean or nothing will work.

 

[IcarusForde]

It works.



Depending on the interveener. I've interveened, a couple of times. It's hard work and you have to stick with it for ages, but it gets there.

 

[Jazzy]

IMO, unless the person needing the intervention admits they have a problem and they need help, this is not going to work.