Intervention
Services
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Addiction & Mental Health Disorders
What is an Intervention?

Interventions are pivotal moments in the journey to help drug addiction and alcoholism. They are structured, supportive, and often transformative steps that can lead individuals struggling with substance use disorders towards recovery.
Who is Involved in an Intervention?
Family and Friends: Typically, those closest to the individual struggling with addiction are the primary participants in an intervention. These are the people most affected by the person's substance use and who have a vested interest in their recovery.
Professional Interventionist: A trained professional often guides the intervention process. This person helps to plan and facilitate the meeting, ensuring it is conducted in a structured and supportive manner.
The Individual with Addiction: The person struggling with addiction is the focal point of the intervention. Their participation is crucial, as the intervention aims to help them recognize their problem and motivate them to seek treatment.
When Should an Intervention Take Place?
Timing is crucial for an intervention. It should occur when the person of concern's substance use and/or alcoholism is significantly impacting their life and the lives of those around them. Signs that an intervention might be necessary include:
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Deteriorating Health: Physical or mental health problems directly related to substance use.
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Relationship Issues: Strained or broken relationships with family and friends.
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Work or School Problems: Job loss, poor performance, or absenteeism due to substance use.
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Legal Issues: Arrests, DUIs, or other legal problems related to drug or alcohol use.
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Financial Problems: Financial instability or debt caused by spending on substances.
The Support Network
The intervention support network typically involves close family members, friends, employers (if necessary), and a professional interventionist with the goal to motivate the person of concern to seek help. Interventions are conducted with compassion, empathy, and understanding. The goal is not to shame or blame the individual but to show love and support while encouraging them to seek treatment. Professional interventionists can play a crucial role in facilitating these conversations, ensuring that they remain unbiased and focused on the person of concern's well-being.
Interventions are powerful tools in the battle against addiction, offering hope and a pathway to recovery for individuals and their loved ones. Understanding what an intervention is, who is involved, when it should happen, why it’s important, and who cares about the outcome can empower families to take action. With the right support and approach, interventions can be the first step towards a healthier, addiction-free life.
Licensed Professionals
The stigma surrounding substance abuse and addiction is deeply ingrained in our society. From an early age, many of us internalize the notion that addiction is a result of poor choices, misfortune, or a life entangled with crime and drugs. The term "addict" often brings to mind an image of someone who is unsuccessful, uneducated, or lacking the self-control to achieve sobriety.
These stereotypes, however, present a limited view of addiction. Addiction can affect anyone, including strong, intelligent, and high-achieving individuals. Licensed professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and nurses, experience high levels of stress due to the demanding nature of their work. For instance, physicians often face long hours, high patient loads, and the emotional burden of making critical decisions, which can lead to burnout and mental health issues​.
Understanding the Role of Licensure Boards in Professional Regulation
A licensure board is a governmental or regulatory body responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of professionals in various fields. These boards ensure that individuals meet specific educational, ethical, and professional standards before they are allowed to practice in their respective professions. The primary functions of a licensure board include:
Licensing: Assessing and approving the qualifications of applicants to grant licenses to practice in a particular profession. This typically involves evaluating educational credentials, professional experience, and the successful completion of exams.
Regulation and Compliance: Setting standards for practice within the profession, including ethical guidelines and continuing education requirements. Boards monitor compliance through regular audits, inspections, and the review of professional conduct.
Disciplinary Actions: Investigating complaints and allegations of misconduct or incompetence. Licensure boards have the authority to take disciplinary actions against professionals who violate regulations or fail to meet the required standards, which can include fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
Public Protection: Ensuring that the public is protected from unqualified or unethical practitioners. Boards often provide information and resources to help consumers make informed decisions about professional services.
For more information about licensure boards:
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Federation of State Medical Boards
What kind of help can a licensed professional seek?
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs: Licensed professionals can opt for either inpatient or outpatient programs based on the severity of their condition and their personal and professional commitments. Inpatient programs offer intensive care in a residential setting, while outpatient programs allow for treatment alongside continuing work responsibilities.
Individual and Group Therapy: One-on-one counseling with a licensed therapist can help address personal issues, while group therapy sessions provide support from peers facing similar challenges.
Medical Detoxification: Supervised detox programs ensure safe withdrawal from substances with medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Interventions: Professional intervention services can help initiate the treatment process by addressing the denial and resistance often associated with addiction, facilitating the individual’s entry into a treatment program.
Professional Monitoring Programs: Many licensure boards offer professional monitoring programs that provide structured support and accountability, ensuring compliance with treatment plans and monitoring progress.
Legal and Ethical Guidance: Assistance with understanding the legal and ethical implications of their condition and navigating the requirements of their licensure boards.
How can an Interventionist Help?
Audubon Interventions & Consulting ensures a discreet and seamless experience; we offer privacy and confidentiality within the context of high-quality, individualized and effective recovery care. Throughout the intervention and treatment process, we serve as an advocate for my professional clients, advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive the support necessary for successful recovery. We work closely with treatment providers to ensure that the care provided is comprehensive and meets the specific needs of licensed professionals.
Professional intervention services can help initiate the treatment process by addressing the denial and resistance often associated with addiction, facilitating the individual’s entry into a treatment program. By engaging in treatment early, professionals can address underlying issues before they escalate to the point of affecting their work performance or ethical standards, which could otherwise lead to disciplinary actions or loss of licensure.
Licensed professionals can avoid losing their credentials or licensure by proactively seeking help for mental health or addiction issues from approved treatment facilities. These facilities are specifically equipped to handle the unique stressors and pressures that professionals face, offering tailored programs that support both recovery and professional reintegration. Additionally, many licensure boards offer programs and resources aimed at supporting professionals through recovery, further emphasizing the importance of seeking help to maintain their credentials and continue their careers effectively.
Navigating Treatment Options for Your Loved One
During a conversation early in my career, a parent shared with me the heart-wrenching experience of their son's journey from college honor student to heroin addict, saying, "I don't know what to do next." This encounter deeply impacted me, highlighting the stark gap between families in crisis and appropriate, trusted treatment. Many people fall victim to the often-unethical treatment centers that offer little real help who take financial advantage, leaving families and their loved ones stranded at square one.
When a family member is struggling with addiction, finding the right treatment resources can be a daunting task. The abundance of information online, coupled with the prevalence of sponsored ads and unethical practices, can make it challenging to discern the best course of action. As therapists and caregivers, you play a crucial role in guiding families through this process with care and professionalism.
The Pitfalls of Online Searches
One of the major challenges families face when searching for treatment options online is the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate resources and those driven by profit motives. Websites like Psychology Today may list providers based on paid subscriptions, potentially skewing the information available to families. Sponsored ads further complicate the search, making it essential to seek guidance from trusted sources.
Utilizing Trusted Referrals
Drawing on your experience and network, you can recommend reputable treatment centers and professionals who prioritize quality care. By leveraging your expertise, you can help families navigate this challenging journey with confidence and peace of mind.
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Peers with Experience: Families who have gone through similar experiences can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on their firsthand knowledge.
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Therapists and Psychiatrists: Their expertise in mental health and addiction treatment equips them to provide families with comprehensive evaluations and referrals to trusted treatment options.
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Interventionists: Professionals with a deep understanding of addiction treatment can provide families with a wealth of resources and recommendations tailored to their loved one's needs.
Essential Questions to Ask When Inquiring About Drug/Alcohol Treatment
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When calling a treatment center to inquire about drug or alcohol treatment, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure that the center meets your needs or the needs of your loved one. Here is a list of questions to consider:
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What type of programs do you offer? (Inpatient, outpatient, detox, etc.)
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What is the length of the program?
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What is the treatment approach or philosophy?
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What credentials and experience do your staff members have?
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Do you offer specialized programs for specific needs (e.g., dual diagnosis, LGBTQ+ individuals)?
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What is the cost of the program, and do you accept insurance?
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Do you offer financial assistance or payment plans?
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What amenities and facilities are available?
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What is the daily schedule like?
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How do you handle medical and mental health needs during treatment?
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What is your approach to family involvement in the treatment process?
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Do you offer aftercare or follow-up services?
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What is the success rate of your treatment programs, and how is success measured?
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How do you handle relapse prevention and ongoing support after treatment?
Family Resources
Supporting Your Loved One:
Finding Comprehensive Help for Mental Health & Substance Use
Finding help for a loved one struggling with mental health and substance use can feel overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many families face similar challenges and there are comprehensive treatment options available designed to address both mental health and substance use disorders. These programs offer a supportive environment with expert clinical and medical staff dedicated to providing individualized care.
Seeking help is a courageous step towards recovery, and with the right support, your loved one can achieve lasting wellness and reclaim their life. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance; the path to healing begins with a single step.
