Alcoholism Intervention: A Reward Worth the Risk

A New Intervention TV Show

You may find yourself asking how realistic an intervention TV show really is. The intensity cannot be compared to what occurs in real life. Although, the shows do present a good framework for how an intervention is staged. A new MTV series, “Gone Too Far” focuses on staging interventions for young people. In the first episode, a twenty-three year old heroin addict, Amy is stuck in a downward spiral in life. Amy’s deceased father was also a drug addict and her family fears the worst for her. Viewers even learn that Amy steals money from them to get her drug fix. If all intervention shows are the same, what makes this one different? Many viewers feel that this show is extremely moving and hopefully, it will touch the lives of young people in need of help.

Approaching Strategies for Intervention

There are several factors that make drug and alcohol intervention strategies successful. The most important fact lies in understanding the mindset of an addict. This is why many professional interventionists are recovering addicts themselves, or experienced in the field of addiction. It is crucial for an interventionist to remain calm during the confrontation. Communication is more easily facilitated when an addict does not run away from the intervention. Furthermore, addicts do not want to feel like they are being judged or punished for their addiction. It takes time, patience, and understanding to reach an addict but help is possible.

Staging an Alcoholism Intervention