Intervention Services Now Include Crisis Intervention

Beyond Drug Intervention

Perhaps thanks in part to shows like A&E’s Intervention and MTV’s Gone Too Far, most people are now at least passively familiar with the term “intervention”. Most people know the basics: a family in turmoil seeks to help the struggling addict or alcoholic in their lives so they decide to intervene. They seek a professional’s guidance. They process their feelings. They write letters. Then, after confronting the addict and establish consequences, they (hopefully) watch their loved one get escorted to a treatment facility. While this is, indeed, how an intervention usually plays out, most people harbor the common misconception that interventions can only be performed on drug addicts and alcoholics struggling with the disease of addiction. This is simply not the case. Beyond a drug intervention, interventions can save the dignity and lives of those struggling with a multitude of issues, including –but not limited to- eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, untreated mental illness, sexual victimization, and general trauma survival.

When To Stage A Crisis Intervention

While many victims and survivors of crisis situations do struggle with addiction, as self-medicating is a popular coping mechanism of trauma survivors, they often require more specific handling and care than run-of-the-mill addicts and alcoholics. Survivors of natural disaster, veterans of war, and victims of crime and assault often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can make ordinary interactions and everyday tasks terrifying and anxiety provoking; sufferers are often trapped in their homes as prisoners of their pain and grief. Perhaps someone you love who has suffered a crisis can no longer maintain employment or familial obligations. Perhaps he or she has been so affected that he/she is no longer able to manage feelings in a healthy way, turning instead to compulsive behaviors like over-eating, over-sleeping, gambling, shopping, and/or reckless sex. Even if your loved one hasn’t yet turned to these unhealthy outlets, if you simply can’t stand to watch the aftermath of a crisis emotionally destroy his or her life, a crisis intervention may be the most effective way to break through.

Intervention Services Offer Appropriate Help

One of the most important factors in the success or failure of crisis intervention is selecting an appropriate, knowledgeable interventionist. Obviously, if your loved one has been the victim of domestic abuse and you wish to intervene and remove her from the violence, you should select an interventionist familiar with the psychological effects of domestic violence. Similarly, if your loved one is a victim of sexual violence, it is important to choose a professional who understands exactly what kind of “psychological first aid” is required to gain the victim’s confidence and put him/her at ease. Luckily, today’s interventionists offer all types of intervention services and perform crisis interventions as well as traditional drug interventions. No matter what the problem, an intervention solution exists!