private interventionist

[heynow1313]

Hey everyone,

I have a very close friend who confided in me that for pretty much as long as she can recall, her sister has been an alcoholic. She has kept this family secret but a recent event has made her commit to addressing this and bringing the problem out in the open. Her plan sounded like an intervention. She is fully aware that the sister will deny, lie, and leave. She really needs the help of a professional interventionist. But I was wondering how that would work. Are private interventionists available to families? Is it ridiculously expensive? Is there a way to find a qualified on online? Before I do a google search and start calling a bunch of phone numbers- I thought I'd ask the advice of a few addiction nurses.

Thanks in advance!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Seek the advice of a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction.

One of the first things that you must know is that any kind of an addict is not going to be on board with anything until they themselves are ready to do so.

If the sister is getting into a car and driving, call the police. If the sister has children who are suffering due to her addiction, call CPS. If the sister is a nurse and reporting to work impaired, report it. That would be the set of interventions that may (or may not) startle the sister into treatment. IF she knows she has significant important and vital people/things that can be lost due to her untreated disease. And that as a family, you can no longer sit by as she is endangering other innocent people.

A "classic" intervention only works on the TV. Personally, I find it more about the people doing the intervention, rather than the person who needs the to realize what this disease is doing.

And mind you, no one else can call out someone on "you are an alcoholic". You do not know this to be true. What you do know is that by the things this person is doing there is danger involved. It is up to the sister to realize that whatever is happening with her does not a happy life make for others. She has to decide that whatever is happening with her does not a happy life make for herself.

[heynow1313]

Thank you for the reply. The sister will not see a psychiatrist; there have been other life events prior to this issue. She doesn't believe in therapy. Are you suggesting my friend see an addictionologist and get their advice as to the best way to proceed?

I understand the points you made in your comment to me- I suppose what my friend is seeking is just some guidance as to how to approach her sister in a way that is supportive but conveys the seriousness of the present situation.

Thank you again.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Thank you for the reply. The sister will not see a psychiatrist; there have been other life events prior to this issue. She doesn't believe in therapy. Are you suggesting my friend see an addictionologist and get their advice as to the best way to proceed?

I understand the points you made in your comment to me- I suppose what my friend is seeking is just some guidance as to how to approach her sister in a way that is supportive but conveys the seriousness of the present situation.

Thank you again.

A psychiatrist that specializes in addictions can give your friend some insight.

When someone is in an active addiction, there is very, very little one can do to approach in any way that would be considered by an addict supportive. Rock bottom is hard to get to unless you fall.

The seriousness is that the sister, if heavily drinking for multiple years, can't just stop. There are very serious medical issues that can and do happen. She may have to go to her MD and see what the options are.

A person needs to be prepared to say that they are going to completely walk away. She will not be invited to any family events. They will no longer "put up with" behaviors that are wildly inappropriate and involve family members that are celebrating as opposed to running from drama.

Denial is a big thing. And it usually involves "not believing" in therapy. But there is a lot of other choices besides therapy. Hotlines you can call, people in AA who will help someone who wants to help themselves get better.

But they have to be at the bottom and decide that their disease process is bigger than themselves at present. And only they can do that.

[heynow1313]

I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you again for your recommendations. I pray all will work out it the end.