Programs

Intervention Models

Typically, interventions fall into one of two models or program types; the invitational model and the Johnson model. Each of these models of intervention is slightly different and having an understanding of each will help you to better prepare for the intervention of a loved one. Before staging an intervention, talk with the interventionist about the method of intervention to be used and the benefits that this method of intervention will be expected to have on your loved one and the family as a whole.

Invitational Model of Intervention

This intervention program is also known as a Systemic Family Intervention and was originally developed by Ed Speare and Wayne Raiter. Through the Invitational Model of intervention, the entire family is addressed and the program aims to help the family system to change in order to help each of them as well as to help the addict. The addict is invited to attend but not forced into attending the intervention and the atmosphere is nonjudgmental as well as non-confrontational.

A workshop will take place over a period of 2-3 days during which the entire family will receive education about addiction, learn about how the addiction affects the family and also learn about enabling. Each member of the family will learn about their role in their loved one’s addiction and they will be encouraged to commit to a plan for recovery with the hope that their commitment will encourage the addict to get help too.

Johnson Model of Intervention

The Johnson Model of intervention is a confrontational approach that is based on the statement by Vernon Johnson which says,

“It is a myth that alcoholics have some spontaneous insight and then seek treatment. Victims of this disease do not submit to treatment out of spontaneous insight – typically, in our experience they come to their recognition scenes through a buildup of crisis that crash through their almost impenetrable defense systems. They are forced to seek help; and when they don’t, they perish miserably.”

The intervention method is focused mostly on showing the addict the reality of the crisis that their alcohol addiction has caused. This is done by having family and close friends come together to push the addict into crisis mode that will make them realize that they have already hit rock bottom and it’s time for help. Based on the belief that denial is blocking the addict from viewing the reality of his or her addiction, the Johnson model of intervention works to confront the individual under the guidance of an interventionist and to coerce the addict into treatment.