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"Many patients discover recovery at Foundations because we appreciate the reality of what is going on in their lives and meet them where they are. Our flexible schedules and comfortable setting create an atmosphere for healing."
-Jennifer Angier
Executive Director of Outpatient Services
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Articles The Truth About InterventionThe reality isn't necessarily like what you see on reality TV.
 Almost anyone's life can be turned into a reality show. Baby beauty queens. Exterminators. Cake decorators. Bail bondsmen. Interventionists.
Drug and alcohol abuse is so prevalent in the U.S. that almost no one is untouched by the damage it does. Maybe it's a family member, a friend, a significant other, a boss, a co-worker – no matter what the connection, we've all seen the pain substance abuse causes.
Maybe that's why shows like A&E's Intervention and VH1's Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew have struck a chord with TV viewers. No one can argue that it's compelling television. You never know what's going to happen next. But if you've considered calling in a pro, these shows might make you think twice for fear that you'll be in for a drama-filled session like those seen on the small screen. Fortunately, that's not necessarily the case.
First, it's important to understand the true purpose of an intervention. The goal is simply to "help the identified person understand that we love and care for them but can't allow them to continue with their behaviors because of the damage it's doing," explains intervention expert Dan Cronin.
Surprisingly, it's not even necessary for the identified person to admit they have a problem for an intervention to be deemed successful. So get those images of ambush out of your head. Instead, Cronin focuses on getting someone who is potentially addicted to acknowledge that a group of people who love and care for them thinks they have a problem and wants them to get help for the sake of all involved. This allows them to agree to a professional assessment at a qualified treatment center. This may even be discussed one-on-one between the interventionist and the identified person.
An interventionist can be invaluable as an objective participant, focusing on facts instead of the emotion usually felt by the loved ones of someone in trouble. It can also help keep everyone focused on the desired outcome. As far as the emotional outbursts often seen during those made-for-TV interventions, Cronin says they're rare. "Every person with an illness — whether it be addiction, mental health or cancer — should get respect and dignity," he says. "We want to make sure that the families we're working with are able to get through the process of intervention and keep their dignity intact."
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