A useful, albeit informal medical technique, the intervention was introduced Dr. Vernon Johnson in the 1960s. The idea was to essentially ambush a person who had problems with drugs or alcohol and convince him to seek treatment. Although the tactic is undoubtedly aggressive, even a bit sneaky, it is effective. When addicts are beseeched by their friends and family members to get help, they almost always acquiesce.

How do they work?

The effectiveness of an intervention depends almost entirely on how well it is planned. There is no room for extemporizing or improvising at these events. Everything should be scripted and acted out in advance.  In fact, most folks hold a trial run or rehearsal before the intervention to make sure everyone knows their roles and what they have to say.

Some participants invariably feel funny about stooping to subterfuge. But because the stakes are so incredibly high, it is sometimes necessary to dissimulate. Of course, there are rules that must be followed if the undertaking is to be successful, which is why it helps to get intervention help in Dallas. Let us take a moment to review a few of them.

Don't be too aggressive!

When a person is taken by surprise, he generally has two instinctual responses: he either fights or flees. Confronted by his friends and loved ones, most addicts break down and admit that they do, in fact, need help. But if the crowd is overly aggressive and makes him feel like a failure, the addict may get defensive. He may shut down and ignore the advice of people who genuinely care for him. The best way to avoid this unconstructive outcome is to engage in a conversation, rather than hoisting invectives and accusations. 

Get professional help

Telling a person you love that he has a problem with drugs or alcohol and that he must get help is an awkwardly delicate proposition.  In order to avoid confrontation and achieve the desired results, it is often best to get intervention help in Dallas.

Don't wait too long!

Contrary to popular belief, people do not have to hit ‘rock bottom' before they receive treatment.  They do not have to experience ‘a moment of clarity' before they enter a Dallas rehab center.  As a general rule, the sooner treatment begins the better, since it reduces the physical risk to the addict and all those he comes in contact with.

Find the right Dallas rehab center

Not all drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities have intervention specialists on staff.  Their work generally begins when the addict checks in and direct treatment begins.  To locate a center that employs intervention specialists, it may be necessary to look online. There are several treatment facilities in the Dallas area that provide intervention help.

Aftercare services

Once the addict has agreed to enter a rehabilitation program, it is important to find one that offers aftercare services. This should include group meetings and one-on-one treatment sessions. All of the studies confirm that the relapse rates of addicts who receive aftercare treatment are much lower.