It’s common for an addict to not even truly realize the seriousness of his or her condition. Many don’t believe they are addicted or still downplay the situation saying they “Can quit anytime, they just aren’t ready.” However, addiction impacts the behaviors and lifestyle activities of each individual differently and the impact that it has on the family system can be deeply ingrained in all the wrong ways.
The Field model of intervention aims to convince the addict that his or her addiction IS bad and DOES need treatment. Through this interventional technique, family members are able to bring the addiction to the user’s attention and help him or her to recognize the importance of seeking help. This all happens in a non-confrontational manner that aims to diffuse aggression and keep the intervention process safe, calm and effective for all involved.
If you have a loved one that you know needs help overcoming addiction, call our helpline toll-free at 1-888-605-7779 to find an intervention specialist that can assist you. We’ll connect you with local interventionists that are ready to support your family’s needs immediately.
Understanding the Field Intervention Model
The Field Model of intervention combines two very unique interventional approaches, the Johnson Model and the Invitational Model, to help an individual make the decision to seek treatment for his or her addiction. The interventionist decides which method of intervention to use predominantly over the case based on:
- The addict’s unique drug history.
- Whether the addict is confrontational or open and willing to accept help.
- The severity of the addiction and how long the individual has been addicted.
- Whether the family has tried intervention efforts in the past and what the outcome of those efforts was.
The term “Field” comes as a result of the interventionist’s decision to determine which method of help to use on a case-by-case, in the field basis. It’s not until the interventionist meets with the family and maybe even meets that addict that he or she makes a formal decision as to which method of intervention to approach the addict with.
Benefits of the Field Model of Intervention
While there are benefits to this method of intervention, certain elements of each of these unique types of help are lost by using a “field” approach. For instance, by waiting until the interventionist meets that addict first to determine HOW he or she can help, the element of surprise that sometimes is so effective with the Johnson model is lost.
The field model of intervention allows the interventionist to assess the family situation on-site and make immediate judgment calls as to what approach to care will be most effective in getting the individual to choose rehab. There is a recognition that clients (the individuals and families addicted to drugs or alcohol) are tough to understand fully until faced directly.
Field model interventions are based on a unique assessment of the client to develop effective crisis prevention and intervention strategies on-the-spot. Interventionists that use the Field Model are trained to work “in the field.” The entire intervention process is about pulling the family system together (much like the Invitational model) to help them align for the greater good and to achieve common goals.
Does the Field Model of Intervention Work?
Short answer, YES! Field interventions work when they are executed by a trained crisis intervention specialist. Using this approach, families are able to work together and many addicted individuals make the decision to accept the rehab help that is offered to them.
Field interventions that utilize the skills of a crisis interventionist to incorporate immediate interventional techniques to combat violence, behavioral outbursts or other crisis during the intervention are more effective than any single intervention approach alone. Whether you’ve tried other intervention approaches with little success, or you’re simply looking for a way to get your loved one to FINALLY get into rehab no matter what, this intervention technique may be ideal for you and your family.
Call our helpline to learn more and to find a local intervention specialist that can assist you. Our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-605-7779.
