Finding an Interventionist: Ask the Right Questions

If you have encountered vehement resistance from an addict when suggesting rehab and perhaps even tried a Do-It-Yourself Intervention without success, you may be considering enlisting the aid of a professional interventionist. Indeed, having the assistance of an experienced addiction specialist can make a difference in the outcome.

How much do you charge for your services?
An important question that should be asked at the beginning to determine whether it is even realistic to proceed with the remainder of the interview.  You could ask if a discount would be given if the interventionist is employed by a specific rehab and you intend to utilize the services of both.

How many interventions have you led or assisted with?

As with anything you might seek assistance for, experience does count for something.  An interventionist with years of experience will have an arsenal of possible responses for addicts who do not like the idea of going to treatment; they will have encountered many different situations and will have already had to problem-solve them.  Still, “experience” can also mean “expensive.” Do not necessarily pass up the opportunity to work with a less experienced yet passionate interventionist if he or she fits your budget better and you feel a connection.  After all, if you are getting positive vibes from the person, there is a chance that the addict may have a similar reaction to their personality and be more open to their suggestions.

In how many of those instances was the intervention successful (the addict eventually went to treatment immediately or within a few days)?

It would be surprising if any experienced interventionist had a perfect track record.  Still, knowing how effective the interventionist has been in the past can be a good litmus test for the likelihood of getting your loved one into a rehab.

How will you prepare the family and friends?  How much time will you spend helping us, and how much will this cost?

An intervention is an unfamiliar and stressful experience for the family; the stakes are high, and emotions are higher.  Having at minimum one meeting in advance can be crucial to ascertaining whether everyone present is on the same page or if someone still intends to maintain a codependent relationship with the addict.  The interventionist first needs to brace the family for the storm that is to come.

Are you affiliated with any residential or outpatient programs?

Asking this question can provide you with a lot of information; you may be able to determine whether using this interventionist would involve an expectation to send the addict to a specific rehab program.  The interventionist may also be able to make recommendations for the best place for the person to go through detox and treatment – including places that treat specific addictions (e.g., heroin, alcohol, etc.) or specific populations (e.g., teens, pregnant women, executives, etc.) – or that are affordable for your family.  Moreover, they may be able to introduce you to connections at various facilities who could make arrangements and financial planning easier.

Why did you become an interventionist?

Many people who work in addiction medicine have themselves recovered from addiction or have been in the sad position of seeing a loved one struggle and finally choosing to intervene to get them help.  Hearing an interventionist’s personal story may make you feel more comfortable with the idea of enlisting his or her services.