Alcohol Interventionist

Background and Training

As you begin your search for a specialist who can help facilitate an intervention, it is important to realize that alcohol abuse and dependence is not like other substance abuse and drug addictions. While you may see many counselors listed as drug and alcohol interventionists, it is important to ask them about their specific experience with alcoholism. You will need a person who can assess the type of alcohol addiction your loved one has; not all alcoholics are alike. See below and create a plan for the whole intervention process

The Type of Alcoholic

Two general categories are used to describe an addicted persons drinking pattern: binge drinking and daily drinking. The two require separate approaches, and an alcohol interventionist will recommend the appropriate way to proceed.

The binge drinker has probably quit drinking time and time again. They don't drink every day but as their name implies when they do they drink to the extreme. When they are not drinking, people may never suspect they have a problem. This fact alone makes it hard to confront and convince the individual of the addiction. However once they do start drinking it is very hard for them to stop which can lead to abusive and risky behaviors.  Many are brought on by a loss of motor functions and sober reasoning skills.

Because of the nature of the addiction, the daily drinker will build up a tolerance to small amounts. In the face of alcohol cravings, they may need to have a drink in the middle of the night to get back to sleep when withdrawal symptoms wake them. They will have to have a drink in the morning to get going, and perhaps a few throughout the day to handle stress and jitters. This kind of drinking can lead to physical dependency with serious medical ramifications if the alcoholic suddenly quits. This is another reason why it is crucial to have a professional Alcohol Interventionist map out the recovery strategy for your loved one.

Intervention Timing

For the binge drinker it is important to confront them after a binge. At other times when they are on the wagon or appearing cured it will be difficult to convince them of their addiction. However if they are confronted with very recent behavior and the pain it has caused, you are more likely to bring up feelings of remorse and a commitment to seek help.

With the alcoholic never far from their next drink, timing is an even greater challenge. It is hard for a non alcoholic to understand the pull alcohol and drugs can have on a person's will and personality. An interventionist will though. They will know the importance of planning an intervention at a time when your loved one will not be too distracted by the thought of their first drink or too inebriated for the intervention to be effective.

Meeting Strategy

It is normal to feel nervous and anxious about the intervention itself. Many express downright fear at the idea of confronting their loved one firmly, asking for a commitment to recovery and laying down consequences for failing to comply.

The intervention is not just one meeting. Rest assured a professional substance abuse interventionist will interview all participants beforehand. They will listen to your concerns and help people write down their statements in advance. Because they have seen it all they will prepare you for possible push-back and help you establish boundaries, so your loved one is highly motivated to seek the assistance they need.

Post-care Planning

If you are ready to see you and your family restored to wholeness an Alcohol Interventionist can help. With their vast psychological experience and medical knowledge they can help you understand this disease better and help your loved one get their life back. Intervention therapy is not easy for anyone however when facilitated by a professional it has the power to break down the walls of denial and give hope where all was lost.