Finding and contacting a professional interventionist who lives and works in your area is not always possible. Locating a certified interventionist in your city or state may involve broadening or expanding your search to include out-of-state experts. Most addiction intervention groups within the country operate nationwide, which means they travel to where the intervention is needed. Countless interventions are conducted across the country every year, saving thousands of lives. Substance abuse is a national health concern; over 70,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2017, per the CDC. Essentially, this means there are a variety of qualified intervention groups available across the nation. These tips will help your family locate a certified interventionist near you, whether in your state or out of state.
Starting the Search for a Professional Interventionist – Much of the search process starts on the Internet, but there are also professional associations for interventionists, or the local health clinic may offer referrals. Some substance abuse treatment programs also provide references to intervention groups. However, when searching the Internet, the website should state it is an intervention group and offers a toll-free number, online form or online chat for easy contact. It is not always simple finding an interventionist locally, which is why most intervention groups travel across the country to where the family is. If the search starts locally, the hospital, addiction treatment center, or even a spiritual or religious group may have information. State and federal government resources often provide information for intervention specialists; however, most families will start their search online. If the family is working with a drug treatment program, they may have intervention groups they have worked with, who have proven successful. Consider both the local and or out of state resources available during the search.
Experience Is Important – There is a cost involved when hiring a professional interventionist, which means they must know what they are doing and have the expertise to back it up. Credentials matter, but successful interventionists have the experience, which means their knowledge base is extensive. There are many factors to consider when planning an intervention and what to expect during the intervention. An interventionist with experience can predict most of the outcomes, which allows them to prepare the family during the family education day. When speaking to an intervention group, ask them what they know, are they familiar with various intervention methods, and what scenarios they have come across. The family would also want to ask what certifications they have, how they received their training, or how successful their interventions have been.
Every Interventionist is Not a Good Interventionist – The first contact made with a professional intervention group is often over the phone. Much is determined through the initial conversation, and a good indicator is if they answer all the family’s questions. Good interventionists offer resources to the family, such as intervention tips or even a family course on intervention. A successful intervention is about preparation, and there should be extensive communication done over the phone or via email before hiring an interventionist. According to the Association of Intervention Specialists in an article speaking about intervention success, approximately eight in ten individuals choose treatment. A good intervention specialist has training, credentials, and experience. The family should get a feel for this before meeting the interventionist or hiring them. Good interventionists are willing to offer their credentials, testimonials, or references upon request.
Asking the Right Questions – Once has a family has engaged a professional intervention group and decides to move forward, the intervention process happens quickly. A successful interventionist will have covered the most commonly asked questions that the family has. For example, what fees does the interventionist charge, do they travel to the location of the addicted person, what is the extent of their services, and is assistance provided to the family after the intervention. It is good to ask the interventionist if they know of treatment centers they have worked with if the family has not already found one. The family should ask whether they escort the addicted person to the center or what intervention model will be used based on the preliminary information and what credentials or certifications they have. Extensive planning and communication occur before any intervention takes place, and any good interventionist will ensure every question is answered.
The decision to perform an intervention is an important one because no drug or alcohol addiction becomes better with time. Early intervention saves lives, helps families start the process of resolving conflict, and begins the healing process for everyone involved. Whether an interventionist is located locally or out of state, there are caring and competent individuals who are dedicated to helping families end the cycle of addiction.