How to Measure Intervention Implementation

Measuring intervention implementation for substance abuse can be tricky due to the many different personalities of the people who may be involved. An intervention is a fairly serious occurrence and can cause mixed reactions from the targeted individual. Anything can happen. Its effectiveness is normally defined by the individual's behavior following the intervention. Unfortunately, even short-term gains may be undermined by a relapse and families should be prepared for that possibility.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a baseline for the targeted person's behavior before the intervention. Note his or her mood, habits, and characteristic behavior in the weeks leading up to the intervention. You will use this baseline behavior to compare to the person's behavior after the intervention to measure its effectiveness. A baseline of the behavior is easier to spot in younger people (teens and children.) Young adults and adults may attempt to mask their behavior to hide substance abuse.

• 2

  Have the intervention. Take note of how the person verbally and nonverbally responds to the intervention. What, if any, promises does he or she make. Is the interaction positive or is it confrontational? Is he or she committed to changing his behavior or simply trying to get out of the moment's confrontation. The age of the person and substance being abused may dictate behavior. Subjects of all ages may deny that they are using the substance at all. Ask experts, such as a health care worker, counselor, senior family member or a spiritual leader to take part.

• 3

  Pay careful attention to the individual after the intervention. Is his or her behavior any different from before the intervention? Are there signs of discontinued or reduced substance abuse? Observe the person for the weeks following the intervention and compare behaviors. This will determine the intervention's effectiveness. Some substances cause strong withdrawal symptoms; consult with a healthcare worker on how to handle the specific withdrawal. The healthcare worker can also observe signs that indicate if the person is clean or using. Sadly, a relapse can occur at any time, even years later. So monitoring recovery is a life-long process.

• 4

  Provide support following the intervention. Ask the subject what he or she needs to stay clean and sober. Have him or her attend counseling for substance abuse. Those present at the intervention must also lend their support to ensure that he or she succeeds. The first few days will be the toughest. If possible, have someone watch over the individual so that he or she does not relapse or feel alone.