Do we need an
intervention?
Before you know for sure a family member or friend needs an
intervention, you need to know what is wrong. Please download and
print the Intervention
Questionnaire developed by Dr. Patterson to see if the signs are
there to indicate if an intervention is appropriate.
Are they addicted to some
type of drug, alcohol or another problem? Should they be seeking help?
Some symptoms caused by stress or illness can be mistaken for warnings
signs of an addiction or depression.
Is the person willing to get help or is planning to get help on their
own? Sometimes an intervention isn't necessary if the person is in the
process of getting help. An intervention should not be the first
option, as it can dramatically affect the dynamic of current
relationships. If the family member is indeed attempting to get help,
offer your full support.
How do we
start?
Contact Dr. Patterson and relay your worries and concerns. The doctor
will meet with the most directly connected and knowledgeable
concerned family member or friend to work with them on discerning how
this issue is affecting each of them, how they can address their
concerns to the addicted person and - most importantly - whether an
intervention is the best approach. As a result of this
initial consultation meeting, the group can determine which model of
intervention will be best for this family and how they will proceed.
How does it
work?
Ideally an intervention will include key family members and close
friends meaningful to the addict. Anxiety and apprehension, and even
fear are natural, as there is indeed risk to long-term
relationships. However, using a family workshop model, new
methods have been developed to eliminate previous problems and
effectively make use of the family's time. There might be several
sessions to work through
issues and individual behaviors surrounding the addict, as well as a
sort of rehearsal of the actual intervention. Call Dr. Patterson,
and with the initial consult you can determine how best to proceed.
There are many options for how to work through an intervention, and
only a specialist in the field can take you through the next
steps. Dr. Patterson will help you through the most nurturing and
loving process appropriate for your loved one, making sure the addict
realizes that all is being said and done out of love and
concern. The goal is for the addict to understand and
accept the gravity of their addiction and what the consequence of this
is to not only them, but their entire family.
Dr. Patterson will then recommend an addict to a treatment center, at
either in-patient or out-patient level, and will assist everyone in
making the transition to treatment. Sometimes this happens
immediately, sometimes within a few days.
Remember, there are different types of intervention, and only a
professional can help you determine the most appropriate format
depending on many factors about the addicted person.
Call Dr. Patterson now to learn more information about this important
and caring gift to one you love.
Frequently asked questions
Are you
willing/able to respond
quickly to intervention calls?
Yes.
What age group do
you work best with?
18 years and older.
What is your
conversion rate?
85-90% on initial
intervention - which improves as people come back and say "I'm ready."
Will you escort a
patient to treatment?
Yes.
What do you
charge?
Please call.
Will you offer any
discounts if needed?
If in town (Southern
California based upon motivation and need and time available).
What does your fee
include?
A year of coaching
and assistance in keeping recovery on track. This does not
include individual sessions, but does include follow ups and the
ability for people to call and check in for resources and assistance.
How involved do you
like to be in the treatment process?
I find it essential
to be involved and it is part of my stated mission to the family:
"to assist in solving problems which might arise in treatment and to
insure that the client and family are getting good care."
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