When your child’s addiction is spiraling out of control, an intervention may be the next best step to take in getting your child to accept the help they need. If you have determined that an intervention is right for your child, knowing where to start may be difficult. After all, there are countless resources available – it can be difficult to determine who or what is best for your child’s care. There are questions you can ask to determine if an interventionist is a right fit for your family and situation.
Questions to Ask Potential Interventionists
Countless addiction specialists also boast the title of an interventionist, but that does not necessarily make them the right choice for your family. Before hiring an interventionist, you should explore your options and ask specific questions to ensure you are making the right choice. Several questions to ask of an interventionist before moving forward with them include:
- What is their educational background? Interventionists can have a wide variety of backgrounds. Some may have a degree in psychology or counseling, while others may simply draw on personal experiences to connect with your loved ones. Depending on what you are looking for, you may find how they answer this question to be helpful. While someone with a degree in a specific field can use their studies to provide insight into how addiction has affected the family, a person with personal experience may be able to connect on a more personal level. There is no right or wrong path with either of these, but if you have a particular preference, it can help you narrow down the search. You can also search the Association of Intervention Specialists for more information about expertise, experience, and other potentially valuable resources.
- What form of intervention do they recommend? There are numerous ways to approach an intervention and some methods may be more effective than others. Some interventionists train in a variety of models and tailor their approach to individual circumstance, while others may follow particular methods that may include surprise interventions with crafted dialogue and persuasion or educational sessions to help your child realize they need help.
- Have they worked with a family similar to yours? While each situation is different, there are similar threads and experiences between families dealing with specific forms of addiction or mental health issues. An interventionist who has dealt with a situation similar to yours before may be better equipped to handle the complexities that may arise and better able to support family members as well.
- How does the interventionist work with you regardless of the outcome of the intervention? Finding out what an interventionist does following an intervention can also be worth exploring. If the intervention succeeds, do they help with transportation? If the intervention fails, do they continue to work with your family? Not all interventionists will provide the same post-intervention support, so determining this early on may help you narrow down the search.
- When are they available? An interventionist can have an incredibly busy schedule. Depending on the types of services they provide and their area of practice, an interventionist may not be available when you need them. Discussing your individual situation with them to determine how quickly an intervention needs to take place can quickly narrow the search.
- How do you ensure that they get to treatment after? Getting your son or daughter to agree to treatment is the first step. Next, they will need to be admitted to a treatment program that will help them overcome their addiction and treat their unique needs. Asking your interventionist what their process is after the intervention and how they help ensure that your child will arrive at treatment safely is an important question to ask.
What an Interventionist Will Need to Know
An interventionist will also need to know more about your child and family. Some initial background information will be needed in order to assess the situation. Some information they will need to know includes:
- What substances is your child abusing?
- How long has it been going on?
- Has your child been in treatment before?
- Have you previously tried an intervention?
- Has something recently happened to provoke the need for an intervention?
It may also be helpful to inform an interventionist about your child’s relationship with family members and friends. If you have specific areas of concern or obstacles to overcome, be sure to share this information early on. This can help you determine who should be involved in the intervention process and what other resources may be necessary. It can also prepare them for any potential issues that may develop during the intervention process.
The Ultimate Goal: Getting Your Son or Daughter the Help They Need
In the end, the ultimate goal of working with an interventionist is to help your child accept help and enter treatment. Researching your options prior to beginning the process can improve the successfulness of the intervention and ensure you are connected with expert care. An intervention may be your only opportunity to reach your child and help them realize the gravity of the situation. Be sure to invest the time in finding the right interventionist so that it is done right the first time.
Have Questions About Finding the Right Interventionist for Your Son or Daughter?
If you are looking for an interventionist or treatment plan for your son or daughter, Sober College can help. We specialized in treatment for young adult men and women and can help you guide you in this process.
Sources
https://www.addiction-intervention.com/hiring-an-interventionist/how-to-find-an-intervention-professional/
http://www.interventionsupport.com/10-things-to-ask-an-interventionist-before-hiring/
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