Many families ask, why do an intervention for drug or alcohol addiction?

Because it can save your loved one’s life.

Gianna Yunker CIP, CFRS, CRS

Certified Intervention Professional, Certified Family Recovery Specialist, and Recovery Coach

Interventions With Love provides professional interventions, treatment placement, recovery coaching, and case management, to individuals and families in the Midwest and throughout the Northeast. Virtual services are provided on a case by case basis.

Not sure what to do?
Wondering if an intervention is the right move?

Call today for a complimentary consultation.

Knowing When to Seek Expert Intervention Assistance

There is a common misconception that a professional interventionist’s main role is to deliver strong worded, or sometimes even an impassioned plea, to convince someone to admit they need help. However, the responsibilities of an interventionist go far beyond talking the person into agreeing to go treatment. It also involves guiding loved ones in changing their habits and establishing appropriate boundaries to hold individuals accountable. It’s about freeing the family from having to make the hard decision to cut their loved one off, not knowing if this use may be their last use.

An outdated myth leads people to believe their loved one must reach rock bottom before they will accept help. Yet I like to look at an intervention as a controlled bottom. With the support of a professional interventionist, family and friends can elevate the addicted person’s bottom, enabling them to recognize it without actually hitting it.

When you seek the expertise of a certified and experienced interventionist, they bring in an outside perspective from someone who is not emotionally entangled within the family dynamics. This can give family members peace of mind that their loved one is in capable and secure hands.

Read more about working with a professional interventionist here.

Addressing Your Loved One’s Addiction Can Feel Overwhelming and Sometimes Scary

Having a professional interventionist can alleviate some of the uncertainty and offer guidance in navigating the sometimes challenging conversation. With many options available, it is crucial to choose someone with whom you feel a genuine connection and a sense of comfort. The ability to have honest and vulnerable conversations are paramount to the success of the intervention. An interventionist will set the stage for the intervention by fostering an atmosphere of openness, where all participants feels safe to express themselves without reservation.

When choosing your interventionist, follow these steps:

  • Choose someone with whom you feel comfortable talking and who genuinely listens to you.

  • Verify their credentials and certifications, as not all interventionists may have professional training or board certifications.

  • Look for an interventionist registered with the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS). This organization, known for its strong ethical principles, is recognized as a reputable credentialing body.

  • Inquire about the number of interventions they have managed to assess their experience.

  • Understand the range of services they provide, ensuring they are committed from the initial meeting to guiding your loved one into treatment.

  • Learn about the intervention models they use as there are various styles, and finding one that aligns with your preference is important.