What is a Family Intervention?
An intervention is a structured, solution-focused process that consists of a group of close friends, family members and others (co-workers, colleagues, spiritual advisors, etc.) who come together in a caring and non-judgmental manner to present their observations and concerns regarding an addict’s behavior.
A well-executed intervention is professionally facilitated and aims to move the family or workplace system out of crisis and assists in immediately addressing addiction.
AIR Model for Interventions
The AIR model of intervention is built on the concept of Carefrontation and incorporates primary aspects of the Family Systems and the Johnson Institute models of intervention. The Carefrontation model, pioneered by James Fearing, Ph.D., long known as America's Crisis Doctor, is an individualized process of changing relationships and family dynamics in order to stop the addiction cycle, move the system out of crises, and effectively address an individual’s addiction.
To more fully understand how addiction affects the system surrounding an addict, consider the mobile. Each component of a mobile is related to and dependent upon the others for balance and stability. The mobile functions correctly when you pull one component, and every other element moves in response. The mobile ceases to function when force is applied to one piece and no movement or change occurs.
When there is active addiction within a family or workplace system, the people around the individual operate much like a broken mobile. Energy is applied in an effort to change the one addicted individual - surprisingly to no avail. However, when the combined pieces of the mobile are set in motion, through the process of intervention, those surrounding the addict or alcoholic can move from their established positions and the stubborn piece will be forced to change his or her actions.
The AIR model of intervention has two stated goals: 1) To move the system surrounding the addicted individual out of the chaos and crisis generated by addiction; 2) To make help available to the individual. By focusing our attention on the system surrounding the individual, and working with them to make changes in their response to addiction, we change the system independent of his or her decision to accept help.
AIR responds quickly to calls for help. Family and workplace crises are treated as emergencies because the emotional pain and suffering of people close to the addicted individual can be extreme. The faster an intervention program begins, the faster that system will experience relief.