Interventions are powerful tools aimed to get someone to seek professional treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder. A benefit to interventions is that there are several different methods you can try - you are not limited to just one. You know what will work best for your family, so it’s important to share your thoughts with your interventionist.
Bridge The Gap has a team of experienced interventionists who are familiar with the different strategies. By enlisting help from our team, you can put together an effective plan of action that gets your loved one into treatment. Below are three common intervention techniques to familiarize yourself with.
Intervention Technique #1: The Johnson Model
The Johnson Model is the most common intervention strategy - and the one you’re probably most familiar with. It’s a classic model where close friends and family surprise their loved one with a meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to help the individual see the extent of their problem and accept help.
We use the Johnson Model at Bridge The Gap because it is effective and straightforward. But there are certain elements that are essential for success. Simply jumping into a surprise meeting without the proper planning can backfire. Here is what we recommend:
Choose your intervention team. Your team should be small and only include the people who are closest to the individual. You should also enlist help from a trained interventionist who will assist with organization and planning.
Plan ahead. An intervention requires careful planning for the best results. We recommend meeting at least twice so that you can rehearse what you’re going to say. Also start thinking about a calm and quiet place to meet.
Write letters. Each member of the team should write a letter to their loved one. This serves as evidence for the ways they are hurting themselves and others. Avoid judgement - the letters should come from a place of love.
Research treatment options. The goal of the intervention is to get your loved one into treatment. Make sure you have options for rehabilitation lined up.
Intervention Technique #2: Invitational Intervention Technique
Invitational intervention techniques are different from the Johnson Model because they are non-confrontational. Rather than surprising the person with a meeting, they are involved in the process. One of the more popular techniques is ARISE (A Relational Intervention Sequence of Engagement). This model includes three phases as families work together to get their loved one into treatment.
The three stages involved in this process are:
Get in touch with a trained interventionist. This person will coach you on how to put together an intervention team and hold the first meeting.
Participate in the meetings. Your interventionist will likely schedule two to five meetings to get your family talking about treatment options.
Enter a formal treatment program. The last phase is the formal intervention where your loved one must agree to enter a formal treatment program. If they don’t, strict consequences will follow.
Intervention Technique #3: Family Systemic Intervention
The last option is the Family Systemic Model - another type of invitational technique. This method brings the entire family together to work on certain dynamics. Family members are invited to attend all meetings, which are led by trained interventionists.
The benefit to this technique is that the whole family unit receives care, not just the addict. When the whole family is involved, the outcomes are usually better. Some of the things your family might work on are communication, problem solving, recognizing codependency and fostering a life of sobriety.
Find the Best Intervention Techniques with Bridge The Gap
If you’re not sure which intervention technique is right for you, contact Bridge The Gap. We find that invitational and family interventions are often well-received by the person because they’re less confrontational. However, people with substance abuse or mental health problems often respond better to firm and direct interventions. They don’t have time to manipulate loved ones and delay rehab.
Bridge The Gap follows a strict process that includes:
Learning about the problems and behaviors you’re facing with your loved one
Building a strong team that will influence your loved one’s decision
Team and individual coaching to ensure everyone is well-prepared for the intervention
Finding the right treatment programs to support your loved one’s needs - we have many partners to connect with
Selecting a time, date and place for the intervention to be held
Contact Bridge The Gap to learn more about our intervention process and how we can assist in getting your loved one into treatment.
