Alcohol Intervention Programs – A Basic Overview

When the alcoholic behavior of an individual crosses the line of patience, the family members of the victim have no option but to opt for professional alcohol intervention programs. The professional programs bring on-board individuals who know how to deal with the situation and respond to alcoholic accountability or react to an alcoholic. The friends, family members, colleagues, etc. would let the alcoholic know how his drinking behavior has created a nuisance of sorts for everyone around him. However, it is not as easy as it sounds, and is precisely the reason why professional help is needed.

The alcoholic intervention strategies must be planned carefully, and should be handled by experienced professionals. One should remember that the objective of alcohol intervention programs is to get the alcoholic agree to a rehab program.

Most of the drug and alcohol treatment centers have counselors that are trained for helping families get prepared and ready for the confrontation, which would always take place in a calm and controlled environment. The calm and relaxed atmosphere ensures that the alcoholic is in the position to listen to the intervenor. Though it is believed that most intervention programs happen at the alcoholic's house, there have been several such programs that have taken place in the office of the alcoholic, with the full cooperation and support of the employer.

The intervention would usually come as a complete surprise to the addict. However, there have also been cases when the intervening team would be in constant touch with the addict several days prior to the intervention, and tell him about the efforts that they have been putting to get a professional counselor on-board for dealing with the person's addiction. Giving a hint to the alcoholic several days before the intervention is one of the newest ways to address the situation, and has been adopted by several organizations.

The best thing about the new technique is that the alcoholic is not in for a surprise. He knows that his loved ones are concerned about his addiction and they are taking steps to address the crisis situation. As a result, the alcoholic does not feel ambushed on the day of intervention.