Key Takeaways
- Professional interventions are structured conversations guided by a trained specialist
- Proper planning and preparation are critical to intervention success
- The ARISE and Johnson models are the most commonly used intervention approaches
- Intervention success rates are significantly higher with professional guidance
- Having a treatment plan ready before the intervention increases follow-through
When Your Loved One Will Not Seek Help
One of the most painful aspects of loving someone with addiction is watching them destroy their life while refusing to acknowledge the problem or accept help. For Ventura County families in this situation, a professionally facilitated intervention may be the catalyst that moves a resistant loved one from denial to treatment.
The myth that someone must "hit rock bottom" before they can get better has been repeatedly debunked by addiction professionals. In reality, earlier intervention leads to better outcomes and prevents the devastating consequences that come with allowing addiction to progress unchecked. Rock bottom is a moving target, and for many individuals, rock bottom means death.
A professional intervention is a carefully planned, structured conversation in which family members and close friends express their concern, describe the impact of the addiction, and present a clear path to treatment. When conducted properly, interventions are deeply compassionate and remarkably effective.
Types of Professional Interventions
Several evidence-based intervention models are available, each with different approaches and success rates. A professional interventionist can help your family determine which model is most appropriate for your loved one's specific situation.
The ARISE Model
The ARISE (A Relational Intervention Sequence for Engagement) model is an invitational approach that includes the individual from the beginning of the process. This model has a documented engagement rate of approximately 83 percent. The ARISE model unfolds in stages, beginning with a phone invitation to participate and progressing to more structured conversations only if needed.
The Johnson Model
The Johnson model, also known as a "surprise" intervention, involves the family preparing in secret and then presenting the intervention to the individual unexpectedly. While this approach can be effective, it also carries higher emotional risk and requires careful facilitation by an experienced professional.
The CRAFT Model
Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) takes a different approach entirely, teaching family members specific strategies to influence their loved one's behavior and motivation to enter treatment. CRAFT has been shown to double the rate of treatment entry compared to traditional interventions.
Planning a Successful Intervention
The success of an intervention depends heavily on thorough preparation. Families who attempt interventions without professional guidance often find that emotions derail the process, leading to arguments, guilt, and reinforced denial. A professional interventionist provides the structure and expertise needed to keep the conversation productive.
- 1Consult with a professional interventionist to assess the situation and choose the right approach
- 2Assemble a core intervention team of 4 to 8 people who are meaningful to the individual
- 3Each team member prepares a written impact statement describing specific examples of how the addiction has affected them
- 4Research and arrange a treatment program so the individual can enter immediately if they agree
- 5Establish clear boundaries and consequences that the team is prepared to follow through on
- 6Rehearse the intervention with the interventionist to anticipate responses and maintain composure
- 7Conduct the intervention at a predetermined time and place when the individual is most likely to be sober
Having Treatment Ready
One of the most important elements of intervention planning is having a treatment program arranged and ready before the intervention takes place. When an individual agrees to accept help during an intervention, the window of willingness may be brief. Having everything in place, including insurance verification, a treatment facility on standby, and a packed bag, maximizes the likelihood that your loved one will follow through.
Trust SoCal's admissions team works directly with families and interventionists to pre-arrange treatment admissions. We can verify insurance, coordinate transportation, and hold a bed so that your loved one can enter treatment immediately after the intervention. Call (949) 280-8360 to begin planning.
Trust SoCal can coordinate with your professional interventionist to have everything ready for immediate admission. Call our admissions team at (949) 280-8360 to pre-arrange treatment before the intervention.
Finding Intervention Professionals in Ventura County
Ventura County families have access to certified intervention professionals who can guide the entire process from initial consultation to treatment admission. Look for interventionists who are certified by the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) or the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Trust SoCal's admissions team can also provide referrals to experienced interventionists who work with families throughout Southern California.
Taking the step to plan an intervention is an act of love. If your family is struggling with a loved one's addiction and traditional approaches have failed, professional intervention may be the answer. Call Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360 to begin the conversation.
Madeline Villarreal, Counselor
Counselor
