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Types of Intervention

Interventions occur because you and others care about and have the best intentions for the person who needs help. You may need to intervene in someone's life if you know the individual: is experiencing extreme depression and suicidal tendencies; has an eating disorder; is addicted to drugs and alcohol; or has some other serious life issue. Several types of intervention strategies exist, all with the primary goal of getting the person help.

  1. Emergency Intervention

    • An emergency or crisis intervention occurs when an individual becomes an immediate danger to himself or other people. This type of intervention is usually performed with little planning by family members or close loved ones. The family and friends recognize the immediate threat or danger, confront the individual as soon as time permits and transport her to a hospital or treatment facility, depending on the type of problem being treated.

    Family Intervention

    • A family intervention occurs when family members of the person speak openly and honestly about the situation and how it affects the whole family. Unlike an emergency intervention, the family members plan how, when and where to confront the addict or individual about his problem. The confrontation involves speaking to the loved one in a non-judgmental manner, but making it clear that family members want him to seek treatment. From there, the family helps the person decide where and when to go for treatment.

    Workplace Intervention

    • This type of intervention occurs when co-workers -- whom the individual trusts and feels close to -- plan to get the person help. Co-workers and workplace friends often recognize when a person becomes addicted or has a serious problem because they see the person's behavior and habits on a daily basis. To accomplish this intervention, co-workers gather together -- sometimes with a workplace manager or boss -- and confront the individual about his problem to offer help and assistance.

    Teen Intervention

    • With a teen intervention, you take the age and personality of the teenager into consideration. A teen intervention can be a delicate situation because of the rebellious and confrontational nature or fragile state of the teen himself. In many cases, you may want a professional -- such as a social worker or counselor who works with teens regularly -- present to assist you during the intervention. During this intervention, you will tell the teenager that you want her to seek help and you'll present treatment options available.

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