Association of Intervention Specialists

What an Intervention is not

We work to meet a client where they are in the process of change to explore the relationship between themselves, their world, and their addiction-related issues. In working closely with people suffering with addiction, we have witnessed countless failed attempts to intervene on someone struggling with addiction. Out of this awareness came a focused effort to develop an evidence-based approach to enhancing the probability of a successful intervention. Many misconceptions have developed over what interventions achieve and how they work.

Intervention to us is:

• Not coercive.
• Not shame-based.
• Not hurtful or angry.
• It is not an ambush or an uncaring attack.
• It is a planned interaction between an individual and a group whose sole purpose is to modify the individuals dependence on a harmful substance or practice.
• It is a process of invitation, education and preparing family and friends who make the commitment to initiate change in a loved one’s or coworkers life.
• The goal is to return to healthy, productive living for addicts and their families.
• The truth is that Intervention is a process founded on love and honesty.