History of Drug and Alcohol Intervention Methods

Effective Drug and Alcohol Intervention Methods

Some people may seem to think that an intervention is an ambush and involuntary commitment of an unwilling individual. This may only occur in rare cases in which addiction treatment is mandated by the government. In reality, most drug and alcohol intervention methods offer a stern, but gentle approach to facing addiction. Since its inception in the early 1960’s there are three main intervention models for different individuals and situations. The original method is called Johnson’s Institute Model or the Minnesota model. This approach was created by a recovering alcoholic who recognized that addicts could receive help before they hit rock bottom. Before that, popular belief led to the misconception that individuals could only be helped if they were in their low point. 

What Drug Intervention Training Accomplishes

Although there are many types of drug intervention training, they all rely on the same basic concepts. Johnson’s Model has been used as an outline in Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs. In the Internal Family Systems Model, family therapy and maintenance of relationships is strongly emphasized. This makes sense because being surrounded in a negative or positive environment influences your outlook on life. Vulnerable addicts have a lot to benefit from strong relationships.

It’s Never too Late for a Drug and Alcohol Intervention

No matter how deep into addiction an individual is, it is never too late for a drug and alcohol intervention. As with any problem, it is easier to treat the disease when it is caught early on. Not everyone is lucky enough to have the knowledge or resources to deal with addiction effectively. A long battle with substance abuse will not only wreck havoc on the body and mind but make it harder to stop using. Luckily, new technology and research has brought us from a long way from Johnson’s model in the early 60’s. Expertise and a better understanding of addiction will help the future generations when it comes to helping individuals overcome this obstacle.