Trust is the foundation of any intervention. A transparent, honest, and compassionate approach preserves dignity, reduces shame, defensiveness and opens the door to real dialogue. When family members express love and concern without blame, set clear boundaries, and offer healthy support, they create the opportunity for lasting recovery. Surprise tactics tend to trigger shame and can dissolve trust. In rare instances when the person of concern is cognitively challenged mentally or as a result of their using is in imminent danger the surprise method can sometimes be the best approach.

Our preferred Intervention process is transparent, proven and compassionate. No ambush, no conspiracy, no secrets. This kind of intervention is non-punitive and is designed to support and inspire the individual’s recovery. Here is an overview.

• Assessment We meet with the individual's family and friends for an assessment to develop a deeper understanding of the situation, their physical and emotional condition, earlier attempts of recovery as well how others have been effected. Together, we’ll explore the intervention process, discuss logistics, consider treatment options, and aftercare to support their successful recovery.

• Moving forward If it has been decided that an intervention is the best course of action we then decide upon the best strategy, transparent or surprise. We then go through the checklist of selecting treatment options, inpatient or outpatient, selection of treatment center, insurance or private pay, travel logistics, timing, place of intervention, and personal letters to be read at the intervention.

• Love is unconditional. Relationships have conditions. Two short concise letters are written by participants in the intervention. One that shares their love and concern about what has become of them as a direct consequence of their addiction or mental illness and a desire for them to accept treatment. The second letter is only read if they choose not to accept treatment. This letter describes how the relationship will change with new boundaries. These new boundaries are different for everyone. For example, it could be no contact until they seek treatment, limited contact under certain conditions, or limited financial resources. These letters express the individual and collective shifting strategy regarding the person of concern, with new boundaries, clear consequences, and unified agreements to eliminate any enabling behavior.

• A transparent invitational intervention. A few days before the intervention a chosen family member or friend informs the person of concern. At that very moment… the intervention has begun. Reactions to this invitation vary tremendously: in some cases, indignation and outrage; in others, relief and acceptance. Whatever the reaction, it is clear that if they choose not to accept the invitation, as much as we hope they would attend, the intervention will move forward without them. If the person of concern would like to talk to us, they are more than welcome to do so. This often helps to answer questions or lingering doubts about the process. Most often, the loved one shows up to defend themselves, reassure all present, “it’s not that bad,” or surrender to an opportunity to transform their lives. Occasionally, they do not show up even though accommodations have been made for their participation; regardless, the intervention continues without them.

• A surprise intervention‍. A time and place is chosen where the person of concern either resides or is invited to meet a friend or family member without their knowledge in which case all that are to be part of the intervention are already present or arrive at the chosen location. After the initial shock of the surprise the intervention moves forward like a the transparent approach although there tends to be more shame, anger and resistance with this surprise approach. Also this approach in some cases creates a resentment towards those assembled which can obscure and interfere with the opportunity for recovery.

• When the person of concern excepts the opportunity of recovery we are committed to follow the progress through treatment and 30 days after leaving treatment, longer if desired all in the effort to develop integrated aftercare strategies for long term recovery.

• If the person of concern does not show up for the intervention or refuses the opportunity for recovery we then shift our focus to creating new boundaries that diminish codependency or enabling behavior. In doing so we change the dynamics. The person of concern is no longer the center of attention nor do they dictate circumstances of further interactions.

• The degree of contact or interaction is an individual choice. The offer for recovery is always available. In many cases with the profound shift in family and friends dynamics the person of concern has an awakening and stops fighting, relinquishing control and surrenders to accepting recovery…a new beginning...a new life.