Intervention

With the T V show Intervention creating such a huge following and awareness, we've been able to see more resources put into the hands of struggling families. The effectiveness of such an approach can be shown in multiple ways- the addict going into treatment, the family setting boundaries, etc. What many people may not realize is that intervention is generally for the family- regardless of whether or not the identified individual enters treatment. The most important part of the intervention is recognizing the problem- a drug addiction, a compulsive behavior, or a behavioral problem- and addressing it from the viewpoint of the family.

Once the family is able to understand that they can make changes within their own family dynamic WITH OR WITHOUT A COMMITMENT FROM THE IDENTIFIED INDIVIDUAL, then the interventionist has made lots of progress. Of course, it's hard at the outset for a family to see that the intervention is a success when an individual chooses not to seek help. However, should the family hold the boundaries the interventionist helped them set, they'll often see a change in the individual and the family system. Following the intervention with participation in a program of recovery such as Al-Anon is essential for family members to continue their healing process. The most important thing- DOING SOMETHING. When a family chooses to move forward with an intervention, they are creating a bottom for the addict- therefore, allowing an individual a chance to get well before things get worse.

Interventions are the greatest gift a family can give.

Here's some clips from the Intervention TV Show:



And here's some of my favorite interventionists:

Gallant and Associates
Addiction Intervention Resources
Surrender Interventions
Crisis Case Management
Bayer and Associates

And here's a video for the song Intervention by Arcade Fire. I just thought this was cool.



Here's something funny.

As always, find me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Have a great day.

The Genetic Link

Thanks to Adi Jaffe over at All About Addiction for bringing up a great topic. Genetics and addiction have been talked about for decades; it was often brought up in people's stories of have a long lineage of alcoholic parents, grandparents, cousins, nephews, etc. and now has been proven to have a genetic link. The University of Utah did a great study on the genetics of addiction, even though they used incorrect grammar on the heading of their website!

One of my favorite phrases is, "Genetics load the gun, and environment pulls the trigger." The basic gist of the research shows people with a certain gene have a tendency towards being unable to quit once they have started drinking or using. However, should an individual have a great support system, education, and concept of a family history, then addiction is preventable. Basically, for families with a long line of addiction, one needs not even QUESTION if the gene is prevalent; families simply need to prepare and educate the next generation on the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Once armed the the powerful tools of education and awareness, a family can work towards prevention.

For something interesting about addiction and genes, watch this:




For something hilarious, click here.

As always, find me on LinkedIn or Twitter. See you tomorrow.

The Johnson Institute

The Johnson Institute in Minneapolis is an advocacy group who really brings the truth out about addictions. The institute used to train interventionists, and now focuses on advocacy around the disease of alcoholism and addiction. One of the best articles I've found on the web is here, featured on the Johnson Institute website. In this article, they talk about the seven policies necessary to create a solution for the huge problem of addiction. First and foremost, family members and people in recovery MUST make themselves available to the general public. WE are the best voice and the proof that recovery works! They also talk about creating early awareness and early intervention as a solution; teaching social institutions that addiction is not a stigma but a treatable illness, and educating the general public on the options available.

A great article, make sure to check it out.

Hope you all had a good weekend. For something REALLY interesting, a podcast featuring a great researcher in the addiction field, click here.

For something funny, click here.

As always, find me on Twitter and LinkedIn. See you tomorrow.

Great NY Times Article

I recently stumbled upon a New York Times article by Jim Atkinson which talks about getting and staying sober with a spiritual program. Most importantly though, he says, "While the image of those of us who manage to sober up has improved quite a bit since the temperance movement, we continue to be considered “lesser” for having had the problem in the first place."

And that right there folks, is the bottom line. There are countless members of society who are sober and doing well; I think the image of the skid-row drunk still crosses the mind of anyone who is not familiar with the treatment process or isn't open to the idea of not drinking.

I always find it interesting whenever I'm in a social situation and other people are uncomfortable with me NOT drinking. I was always pretty sure it would be the reverse. However, not everyone has been exposed to a sober alcoholic; there are, however, plenty of people who have been exposed to ACTIVE alcoholism, and the fact that there are sober people present could bring up a lot of emotion around that.

A study done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in 2004 showed that nearly 17 million Americans fit the criteria for alcohol abuse. That means one out of every eleven people you meet is either struggling, or has struggled, with alcohol. That's a CRAZY amount for there still to be this kind of stigma around alcoholism and sobriety.

Get the word out! Become an advocate for recovery! And make sure to support measures that provide funding for treatment- not everyone can afford Hazelden or Sober Living By The Sea. As members of a sober community, we have a responsibility to get the message out that hope is available. Try to keep that message strong in your every day life.

For something interesting, check this
out.

Here's a New Jersey PSA about recovery from NCADD-NJ.



"Addiction is a treatable, preventable disease, not a moral failing." Well put.

Have a great weekend. Something funny here.

As always, find me on Twitter and LinkedIn.