Family Intervention in Addictions

The Family plays a crucial role in the treatment and recovery of the person with an addictive problem.

It is not always easy for a person to recognize when they have an addiction problem, both with and without substances, which makes the decision-making process to go to treatment more difficult and time-consuming.

This intervention, usually at the request of a family member, is planned and takes place in a family and friendly context, with influential people in the life of the person with an addictive problem, with the aim of breaking the denial and working on a healthier and more positive change, not only for the addict, but also for everyone around him. It is intended to be a respectful space for sharing feelings, difficulties and experiences of how the disease of addiction is negatively interfering with family dynamics, without ever blaming and judging the person with the problem.

Goals

Family Intervention aims to help the addict to recognize that he has an addiction problem with and without substances, and that he needs help to work on his recovery, by entering a treatment center. An intervention should be a simple, deliberate process through which a change is introduced in the addict's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The interventionist as a mediator

One of the main goals of a family intervention is the promotion of healthy love and emotional adjustment, between the person with the addictive problem and their family members, who are compromised due to the addiction and associated consequences. It is important to work on imposing limits and managing relationships, avoiding dysfunctional patterns and co-dependency, with all the members of the intervention.

The role of the interventionist is to be the mediator between the person with the addictive problem and the other people present at the meeting, working towards good communication and exposure of experiences associated with dependence, which negatively interfere in family dynamics, avoiding conflicts and manipulation. . With the help of the interventionist, the entire group of people involved in the project will start working towards their freedom.

Intervention Process

The Family Intervention process encompasses the following phases:

1. Request for help, to the professional, by a family member and/or friend who identifies the addictive behavior.

2. Session with the family member, to learn about the problem and gather information to establish the intervention.

3. Planning of intervention tasks.

4. Psychoeducational sessions with family members about addiction.

5. Execution of intervention tasks, with the person with addictive problems.

6. Accompanying the family throughout the treatment process.

7. Post-treatment follow-up, with the aim of dealing with the difficulties of all those involved (family and addict)

more information