Family Help

The kindest thing family and friends can do for drug and alcohol addicts

Family intervention can never be undertaken lightly. It is time consuming for all involved. Intervention is the most loving, powerful and successful method of encouraging people to accept help

PCP is one of the few addiction clinics offering family intervention.

ALCOHOL abuse and drug addiction do not just hurt the addict. They damage family relationships. Addicts very often steal from their families to fund their habits, trust is destroyed, loved ones have to watch the slow and continual disintegration of a family member's health, pride, career prospects and life. Hearts are broken.

Many addicts refuse to accept help.

Family intervention involves family members of an addict preparing, with the help of a trained interventionist, to face the addict in their midst on a given day and to tell them, with love, in a non-confrontational, non-judgemental manner, to face up to the fact that they need help.

Family intervention is suitable for people engaged in any self destructive behaviour including:

• drinking too much - alcohol abuse or addiction
• drug abuse and addiction
• eating disorders - anorexia and bulimia
• gambling addiction

How it works

Family and friends may be initially apprehensive, confused or even ambivalent. Relationships have broken down, they may be afraid of the addict, or angry.

The goal is to move from this state to a cohesive, focused group with the help of an experienced interventionist (leader).

Family members, and friends, speak with the leader to educate themselves about the dysfunction, determine how best to help themselves and prepare for Intervention Day. This can include identifying others who should be involved, exploring treatment options available and thinking about what they are going to say.

Preparation can involve several meetings, telephone calls and occasionally a practice session immediately prior to Intervention Day.

Intervention Day

Family groups vary as to how much time can be reasonably set aside by all involved for this work. Preparation can be completed within a single weekend but more usually takes place over one to two weeks.

At an agreed time, on an agreed day, the family members will arrange to meet the addict, who is unaware of what they have been doing and does not know what the meeting is about. The addict may simply be told they are invited to tea. Intervention day is always very emotional.

The interventionist is at the meeting and is introduced to the addict. The interventionist explains why he is there and what methods and treatments can be offered to aid the addict's recovery.

The addict is welcomed into the family circle and members explain how their addiction has created havoc and problems within the household.

The Interventionist asks if the addict understands what is going on. Very often, in such a strong atmosphere of unconditional love and support, an addict will finally admit to their behaviour and agree to undergo treatment. If they agree to treatment the family members then explain how much they love them and want to see them well.

How to find Family Intervention

PCP is one of the few centres offering family intervention. To book intervention, or for more information call freephone : 08000 380480